In a significant shift towards community empowerment, a new law in England has granted local organisations the unprecedented ability to purchase community assets without facing immediate challenges. This legislation, which forms part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, aims to transform how communities engage with public spaces and assets. The law has already sparked enthusiasm among grassroots organisations, with many seeing it as a vital step towards ensuring the sustainability of local services.
A New Era for Community Groups
Debbie Taylor, who leads the Domestic Abuse WA12 service in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, is one of many who stands to benefit from these changes. For nearly three years, Taylor’s organisation has endeavoured to buy the long-abandoned Ram’s Head pub. This new legislation could finally enable them to convert it into a community hub, offering essential services to those in crisis.
“It’s not just about acquiring a building; it’s about what that space can signify for the future,” Taylor explained. “For the families we support, it represents safety, stability, and hope in a time of need.” Her organisation plans to utilise the site to consolidate its support services, thereby addressing both immediate and long-term community needs.
The Power Shift: Right to Buy Explained
Prior to this law, communities had a “right to bid” on assets deemed of community value, such as pubs and libraries, but faced a tight six-month window to secure funding. This often proved unmanageable, with only about 2% of bids resulting in successful transfers. The newly established right to buy allows community groups to acquire assets unchallenged, provided they can raise necessary funds within a year.
Tony Armstrong, CEO of Locality, a national network supporting community-led organisations, articulated the significance of this development: “This is a watershed moment for community empowerment. However, the potential success of this initiative hinges on the availability of dedicated funding and resources.”
Despite the excitement surrounding the new rights, there is a bittersweet undertone as the government has not renewed the £150 million Community Ownership Fund. Armstrong expressed concern that without financial backing, wealthier communities may be the only ones capable of raising the required funds, thereby limiting the initiative’s impact across the country.
Expanding the Definition of Community Assets
The new legislation also broadens the criteria for what constitutes an “asset of community value.” Previously, a property needed to have been utilised for community benefit within the last five years; this limitation has now been lifted. Additionally, the new framework includes a wider range of assets that contribute to both economic and social wellbeing, as well as a new category for sporting facilities.
This expansion is particularly noteworthy for initiatives like Coalville CAN, a co-operative aiming to transform a closed market hall in Leicestershire into a vibrant community centre. Deana Bamford, a key figure in the campaign, expressed optimism that the new law will empower her group to appeal against previous refusals from the local authority. “We are hopeful this will enable us to push for community ownership more effectively,” she stated.
Bamford envisions the market hall becoming a hub for local clubs, social enterprises, and events, fostering community engagement and revitalising the town centre. She believes that the new law will help ensure that once these assets are secured, they will remain in community hands permanently.
Why it Matters
The passing of this legislation signifies a pivotal moment in community empowerment in England. By enabling grassroots organisations to take control of local assets, the law not only aims to bolster community services but also to foster a sense of ownership and pride among residents. However, its success will largely depend on the provision of adequate funding and resources to support these initiatives. If effectively implemented, this policy could serve as a model for community-led regeneration, promoting resilience and collaboration in addressing social challenges.
