Key Facts

• The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act gives community groups the right to buy community assets if they can raise the money within 12 months.
• Previously, groups only had a six-month "right to bid," but community ownership was rare because raising funds quickly was hard.
• The new law expands what counts as a community asset to include buildings supporting economic and social wellbeing, plus sports facilities.
• Debbie Taylor’s domestic abuse service is trying to buy the Ram’s Head pub in Newton-le-Willows to create a safe support center.
• Communities can now better prevent important buildings from being lost to neglect or private sale.
• There are concerns that without government funding like the ended £150 million Community Ownership Fund, only wealthy communities may afford to buy assets.
• Locality, a national network for community groups, says the new right is important but needs more support and resources to succeed.
• Coalville CAN cooperative wants to buy an old market hall to turn it into a community hub with clubs and a café.