A transformative shift in community empowerment has occurred in England with the introduction of landmark legislation, allowing community groups the right to purchase local assets for the first time. This new “community right to buy” law, part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, offers grassroots organisations a unique opportunity to secure and repurpose properties that hold significant value for their communities.
A New Era for Community Empowerment
Debbie Taylor, who leads the Domestic Abuse WA12 service in Newton-le-Willows, is among those who stand poised to benefit from this change. After nearly three years of attempts to acquire the long-abandoned Ram’s Head pub, Taylor expresses a renewed sense of hope with the passage of the new law. She emphasises that acquiring the property is about more than just bricks and mortar; it represents safety, stability, and a future for families in crisis. “It’s safety, stability, a future for people in our communities left with no options when they’re in crisis,” she explains.
Under the previous framework, community groups had a “right to bid” for assets deemed of community value, such as pubs and libraries, but faced a six-month deadline to raise necessary funds—a challenge that often proved insurmountable. The new law allows these groups to secure their right to buy without contest, so long as they can successfully gather the funds within a year.
The Landscape of Community Ownership
The shift comes as part of a broader initiative to decentralise power and enhance local governance. Described by ministers as “the biggest transfer of power to our communities in a generation,” the legislation is designed to foster ownership and stewardship of local resources. Yet, there are concerns about the practicality of these new rights without adequate funding.
Tony Armstrong, CEO of Locality, a national network supporting community-led organisations, articulates the potential pitfalls. While he acknowledges the excitement surrounding this new right, he cautions that without a dedicated financial backing—particularly following the government’s decision not to renew the £150 million Community Ownership Fund—only the most affluent communities may be able to take full advantage of this opportunity. “The key risk for this is that it remains an achievement on paper, rather than being something which can be taken up, up and down the country,” he warns.
Expanding Definitions and Opportunities
The legislation also broadens the definition of what qualifies as an “asset of community value.” Previously, properties needed to have served the community within the last five years; this restriction has now been lifted. Additionally, the new criteria will include assets that contribute to the economic and social wellbeing of an area, alongside a new category for sporting facilities.
This change could prove pivotal for initiatives like that of Deana Bamford, who is spearheading a campaign to repurpose Coalville’s old market hall into a vibrant community hub. With the local authority previously rejecting their application to designate the market hall as an asset of community value, the new law provides a pathway for appeal. “Hopefully that will give us more traction to be able to push them to say ‘we’re going for it again,'” Bamford asserts.
Bamford’s co-operative, Coalville CAN, has already demonstrated the potential for community-led projects, having successfully opened their current base, CAN HQ, through community share offerings. “Coalville is a town typical of many others… it’s got areas of deprivation – you might call them that – but we call it full of local people with loads of skills and talents that haven’t been given the chance,” she elaborates.
The Path Ahead for Community Initiatives
As community organisations like Domestic Abuse WA12 and Coalville CAN gear up to leverage their new rights, the need for strategic planning and resource allocation emerges as a pivotal factor for success. Ensuring that these local initiatives are not mere aspirations but tangible realities will require a concerted effort from both community leaders and government officials.
Why it Matters
The introduction of the community right to buy law represents a significant advancement in local governance and community empowerment in England. This legislation not only provides communities with tools to reclaim and revitalise local spaces but also underscores the importance of localised decision-making in addressing social issues. As communities strive to shape their futures, the success of this initiative will hinge on the availability of financial resources and the commitment of local stakeholders to foster inclusive and sustainable community development. The potential for transformation is immense, but so too is the responsibility to ensure that these rights translate into real change for all.
