Our Objectives
The Society’s aims are to maintain the diversity and character of Cricklade High Street,
to provide facilities that empower and encourage fuller community involvement, and to
provide private residential accommodation for local people.
Why Cricklade Development Foundation Is a Community Benefit Society
Cricklade Development Foundation (known as CDF or the Society) is proud to be a Community Benefit Society (CBS)—a modern legal structure that has evolved from the long-standing tradition of industrial and provident societies. These societies have supported local initiatives across the UK since the 19th century, and today they remain a powerful way for communities to take ownership of their future.
This structure has enabled towns and villages to come together to open community shops, pubs, housing projects, and more—all designed to serve local people, not private shareholders. CDF chose this model because it reflects our values and gives Cricklade the tools to invest in itself
Why Did CDF Choose to Be a Community Benefit Society?
A Community Benefit Society offers a unique blend of community control, financial flexibility, and legal safeguards. Here’s what makes it the right fit for Cricklade:
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Not-for-profit: Any surplus is reinvested into the Society’s work—not paid out as dividends.
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Purpose-led: Exists to benefit the wider community, not private shareholders.
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Fair and democratic: One member, one vote—regardless of how many shares are held.
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Community-funded: CBSs can raise money through withdrawable community shares, allowing local people to invest directly in projects that matter to them.
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Modest interest payments: Eligible members may receive interest on their shareholdings. These payments are treated as allowable operating expenses by HMRC, unlike dividends paid by private companies, which are not tax-deductible.
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Asset protection: CDF has a statutory asset lock, meaning our assets—such as the Old Police Station—must always be used for community benefit. If the building is ever sold, proceeds will be reinvested in Cricklade. If CDF ceases operation, remaining funds will be transferred to a like-minded organisation serving the town.
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Registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), not Companies House—ensuring transparency and accountability.
What CDF Stands For: Our Purpose and Objectives
The Society’s aims are to maintain the diversity and character of Cricklade High Street, to provide facilities that empower and encourage fuller community involvement, and to provide private residential accommodation for local people.
These aims are underpinned by our formal objectives, as set out in our Rule Book.
The Objects of the Society are to further, in a sustainable manner, the social, economic and/or environmental interests of people who live and/or work, or who want to live and/or work, in the area of benefit by some or all of the following means:
3.2.1
by acquiring, holding, providing, leasing, developing and managing land, housing (including without limitation social housing) and other assets in the area of benefit;
3.2.2
by promoting, developing, supporting, managing, undertaking and facilitating community-led initiatives in the area of benefit (including but not limited to the development of housing and community retail initiatives);
3.2.3
by promoting, developing, supporting, managing, undertaking and facilitating community-led initiatives in the area of benefit (including but not limited to the development of housing and community retail initiatives);
3.2.4
by providing workspaces, facilities, services, training and other forms of practical support to relieve unemployment and encourage the creation and development of businesses in the area of benefit; and
3.2.5
by carrying out any other activities which can be carried out from time to time by a community land trust and which the directors consider would further the social, economic and environmental interests of the community in the area of benefit relating to the stewardship of land and other assets.
Get Involved: Help Shape Cricklade’s Future
Cricklade Development Foundation is more than an organisation—it’s a shared commitment to our town’s future. By becoming a member or investing in community shares, you’ll be helping to protect local heritage, support inclusive development, and ensure that Cricklade continues to thrive for generations to come.
Whether you're a long-time resident or newly arrived, your voice and support matter.
Join us. Invest in Cricklade. Be part of something lasting.
Learn more about how to become a member here.