A significant shift in community empowerment has taken place in England, as new legislation grants grassroots organisations the right to acquire local assets. This landmark law, part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, aims to enhance community wellbeing by allowing groups to purchase properties that serve vital social functions. The legislation, which came into effect this week, is being hailed as a transformative step for communities, particularly those facing economic challenges.
A Long-Awaited Opportunity
Debbie Taylor, the director of Domestic Abuse WA12, has been engaged in a protracted struggle to purchase the abandoned Ram’s Head pub in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside. For nearly three years, her organisation has sought to convert the derelict establishment into a community hub aimed at providing essential services. With the introduction of the new “community right to buy” powers, Taylor feels a renewed sense of hope. “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,” she explained. “It’s safety, stability, a future for people in our communities left with no options when they’re in crisis.”
The legislation is described by ministers as “the biggest transfer of power to our communities in a generation.” It empowers local organisations to purchase community assets, provided they can secure the necessary funding within a year. This development builds upon an existing “right to bid” framework, which has previously seen limited success, with only about 2% of community assets transitioning into local ownership due to financial constraints.
A New Era for Community Ownership
The introduction of the community right to buy represents a watershed moment for organisations like Domestic Abuse WA12. When the Ram’s Head was auctioned, Taylor’s group fell short of meeting the reserve price, highlighting the hurdles faced by community organisations in securing funds. However, with a combination of public fundraising, borrowing, and charitable grants, she hopes to turn the neglected pub into a vibrant support centre.
Taylor envisions the property as a space where various services can converge, allowing individuals in need to access comprehensive support under one roof. “Securing the property would allow us to bring all our levels of support together to create an accessible community where people can feel safe but also rebuild their lives,” she stated.
Tony Armstrong, chief executive of Locality—a national network for community-led organisations—expressed his enthusiasm for the new rights, while also cautioning that tangible support is essential for their success. “We know there is a real need for dedicated funding and support around community ownership. It’s a fantastic new right, but it needs to be backed up by clear support and access to resources,” he remarked.
Challenges Ahead: Funding and Access
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the new legislation, concerns linger about the financial viability of community ownership. The previous government’s decision not to renew the £150 million Community Ownership Fund, which provided crucial financial support to local groups seeking to acquire at-risk assets, has left many apprehensive. Armstrong warned that without adequate funding, the right to buy may only benefit the wealthiest communities, raising questions about the equitable distribution of resources.
The new law also broadens the criteria for what constitutes an “asset of community value.” Previously, a property had to have been used for community benefit within the last five years. This requirement has been lifted, allowing for a wider range of properties—those contributing to economic and social wellbeing—to be considered for community ownership. This change could potentially assist organisations like Coalville CAN, who are eager to transform their local market hall into a dynamic community space.
Looking Forward: A Step Towards Community Empowerment
Deana Bamford, a representative from Coalville CAN, expressed optimism about the new opportunities the legislation presents. Her cooperative aims to establish a community hub within the town’s shuttered market hall, which was previously rejected by the local authority as an asset of community value. The new law provides a mechanism for challenging such decisions, giving grassroots groups the leverage they need to advocate for community interests.
Bamford emphasised the importance of reclaiming underutilised spaces for community benefit. “There’s still a lot of industry around the edge of the town, and there’s still loads of people who could come into the town centre,” she said. “If we could start getting hold of the buildings that aren’t being used and make them available for people to do the things they’re passionate about, it would transform the area.”
Why it Matters
The introduction of community right to buy legislation represents a pivotal moment in the movement towards decentralised power and local empowerment in England. By providing grassroots organisations with the means to acquire and manage community assets, this law not only aims to rejuvenate local economies but also fosters social cohesion and resilience. However, the success of this initiative hinges on the availability of financial support and resources to ensure that the benefits of community ownership are accessible to all, not just the affluent. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this legislative change can translate into meaningful action for communities across the country.
