In a transformative shift for grassroots organisations across England, the long-awaited “community right to buy” legislation has officially come into effect, granting local groups unprecedented authority to purchase community assets. This new law, part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, aims to strengthen community resilience by enabling organisations to acquire properties vital for local support services, with the potential to reshape the social landscape in towns and villages.
A Landmark Moment for Community Empowerment
Debbie Taylor, director of Domestic Abuse WA12, has been on an emotional journey as her organisation attempts to acquire the Ram’s Head pub in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, for nearly three years. With the enactment of the new legislation this week, Taylor sees a glimmer 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 states. The pub, if secured, could serve as a vital hub for community services, offering safety and stability to families in crisis.
The new powers allow community groups to purchase assets without challenge, provided they can raise the necessary funds within a year. This is a significant improvement over the previous “right to bid” system, which often left organisations scrambling to secure financing within a mere six months. Research indicates that only about 2% of community assets successfully transitioned to local ownership under the old rules, primarily due to funding constraints.
Funding Challenges Amid New Opportunities
While the new legislation is hailed as a pivotal moment for community empowerment, it also raises concerns about the availability of funding. Tony Armstrong, chief executive of Locality, a national network for community-led organisations, expressed cautious optimism. “This is a real watershed moment, we are thrilled,” he remarked. However, he highlighted the lack of a dedicated funding stream following the government’s decision not to renew the £150 million Community Ownership Fund, which previously supported community groups in acquiring at-risk assets.
Armstrong fears that without targeted funding, the new rights may only benefit wealthier communities, thereby exacerbating existing inequalities. “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 added. The challenge lies in ensuring that all communities, regardless of their financial standing, can take advantage of these new rights to foster local ownership.
Broadening the Definition of Community Assets
The new law expands the definition of what constitutes an “asset of community value,” lifting the previous five-year requirement for community benefit usage. This change opens the door for a wider array of properties, including those that contribute to economic and social well-being, as well as a new category for sports facilities. This is particularly beneficial for initiatives like Coalville CAN, led by Deana Bamford, who aims to transform the shuttered market hall in Leicestershire into a vibrant community hub.
Bamford’s co-operative has faced hurdles in gaining recognition for the market hall as an asset of community value. However, the recent legislative changes empower groups to appeal local authority decisions, giving them renewed hope. “Hopefully that will give us more traction to be able to push them to say ‘we’re going for it again,’” she expressed. The potential for such transformations underscores the positive impact that community-led initiatives can have on local economies and social cohesion.
The Road Ahead for Community Ownership
As communities begin to navigate the implications of this new law, the importance of support and resources cannot be overstated. The shift toward empowering grassroots organisations is a promising step, yet it necessitates a robust framework of funding and guidance to ensure its effectiveness. Initiatives like those undertaken by Domestic Abuse WA12 and Coalville CAN illustrate the potential of community ownership to foster resilience and engagement.
Why it Matters
This legislative shift represents a significant advancement in the ongoing struggle for community empowerment in England. By enabling local groups to secure and manage vital assets, the government is not only fostering social cohesion but also addressing the pressing needs of communities facing economic and social challenges. However, the success of this initiative will depend heavily on the provision of adequate funding and support to ensure that all communities, regardless of their financial resources, can benefit from this new right. The journey towards community ownership is just beginning, and its potential to transform lives and localities is immense.
