Can Devolution Spark A Revolution In Community Ownership?

The Government's English Devolution White Paper confirms it intends to introduce a "Community Right to Buy". We take a look at what this might deliver

A White Paper may only be the initial step of a process, but campaigners have welcomed the Government's inclusion of a Community Right to Buy as part of their proposals for an English Devolution Bill.

Under the proposals, community groups would have the right to buy when assets of community value (ACVs) come up for sale. ACVs are defined in the White Paper as "valued community assets such as empty shops, pubs and community spaces".

The intention of the proposals is to "support community ownership and end the blight of empty premises on our high streets". The government also say they will "support community ownership by funding projects through the Community Ownership Fund in 2025, allowing communities across the country to purchase assets that are at a risk of being lost".