Research – Toward Inclusive Ownership: Addressing Systemic Barriers for Urban Communities in Scotland

This report explores barriers to community land and asset ownership in urban Scotland, with a focus on resource-deprived communities. It is based on research conducted by Community Land Scotland through the Community Ownership Hub: Glasgow and the Clyde Valley. Key challenges include fragmented land ownership, political and legislative hurdles, and limited access to funding, expertise, and resources. The research combines a semi-systematic literature review with interviews involving five community groups at various stages of the ownership process.

Findings suggest significant obstacles such as delays in community ownership processes and mismanagement within Glasgow City Council’s community asset transfer system, with a particular preference for steering groups toward non-legislative asset transfers rather than statutory mechanisms. Financial constraints, capacity limitations, and bureaucratic complexities also emerge as notable difficulties, with resource-deprived groups appearing to face disproportionate impacts. Despite these challenges, urban communities demonstrate a strong commitment to pursuing ownership and leveraging assets for social and economic benefits. However, post-purchase issues, such as maintenance costs and sustainability concerns, underline the need for ongoing support.

The report offers initial observations on gaps in current policy and proposes potential actions, including improving access to information, adapting legislative mechanisms for urban contexts, and enhancing public sector support. It highlights the importance of creating more inclusive systems to support community ownership efforts in disadvantaged urban areas.