In a significant shift towards community empowerment, new legislation in England has granted grassroots organisations the unprecedented right to purchase local assets, a move heralded as a transformative moment for communities across the nation. This change, part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, aims to enable local groups to secure vital spaces for services and support, such as the Domestic Abuse WA12’s efforts to acquire the derelict Ram’s Head pub in Newton-le-Willows.
Empowering Local Initiatives
Debbie Taylor, the head of Domestic Abuse WA12, has spent nearly three years attempting to acquire the Ram’s Head pub, a site she envisions as a sanctuary for vulnerable families. With the new right to buy now in effect, her organisation can finally pursue the transformation of this neglected building into a community hub. “It’s more than a building. It’s what it can represent in the future for us and for the families that we’re supporting,” Taylor stated, highlighting the potential for the pub to provide safety and stability for those in crisis.
This groundbreaking legislation allows community groups to secure properties unchallenged if they can generate the necessary funds within a twelve-month period. Previously, under the “right to bid” policy, community assets like pubs and libraries had a much narrower window of six months for fundraising, often leading to only a modest percentage—around 2%—of these assets transferring to community ownership due to financial constraints.
A Mixed Bag of Opportunities and Challenges
While the new law has been met with enthusiasm, it comes with caveats. Tony Armstrong, chief executive of Locality, a national network for community-led organisations, remarked, “This is a real watershed moment, we are thrilled,” but he also acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the announcement. The recent government decision not to renew the £150 million Community Ownership Fund, which previously provided critical financial assistance to community groups, raises concerns about the sustainability of this initiative.
“Without a designated pot of money, only the wealthiest communities may be able to secure the necessary funds,” Armstrong added, voicing apprehension that the new rights could remain largely theoretical rather than practical for many communities across the country.
Expanding the Definition of Community Assets
Another key aspect of the new legislation is the broadened definition of what constitutes an “asset of community value.” Previously, buildings had to have been used for community benefit within the last five years, a limitation that has now been lifted. This expansion allows for the inclusion of assets that contribute to both economic and social well-being, as well as a new category for sporting facilities.
Deana Bamford, a member of the Coalville CAN co-operative, sees this as an opportunity to revive the town’s shuttered market hall. Despite a previous rejection from the local authority to designate the hall as an asset of community value, the new law allows her organisation to appeal that decision. “Hopefully that will give us more traction to be able to push them to say ‘we’re going for it again,’” she said, illustrating the renewed hope community groups now have in securing local resources.
A Vision for Community Resilience
The implications of this legislation extend beyond individual projects. Community groups like Coalville CAN are eager to transform unused buildings into vibrant spaces that foster collaboration and creativity. “Coalville is a town typical of many others… it’s got areas of deprivation – but we call it full of local people with loads of skills and talents that haven’t been given the chance,” Bamford explained, emphasising the potential for revitalisation through community-led initiatives.
The new rights are poised to create a long-lasting impact, ensuring that once an asset is secured and upgraded, it remains under community control. “It’s for forever. Once the asset’s been secured and upgraded, it can change its purpose, but it can’t change its ownership,” she added, highlighting the importance of permanence in community-led projects.
Why it Matters
The introduction of the community right to buy represents a pivotal shift in the relationship between local authorities and grassroots organisations. By empowering communities to take control of their shared spaces, this legislation fosters resilience and innovation, addressing both immediate needs and long-term aspirations. However, the effectiveness of this initiative will largely depend on the support structures put in place, including funding mechanisms to ensure equitable access for all communities. As the landscape of community ownership evolves, it is crucial that the government steps up to back these efforts, enabling communities across England to thrive.
