Amazing

Amazing moment for communities given right – For nearly three years, Debbie Taylor and her team at Domestic Abuse WA12 have faced a long and challenging journey to acquire the Ram’s Head pub in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside. Now, with a significant shift in policy, the organisation may finally realize its vision of transforming the building into a community center offering essential support services. “It’s been a rollercoaster,” Taylor remarks, highlighting the emotional and logistical hurdles her group has endured. The breakthrough comes from a new legislative framework in England, granting community groups the power to purchase local assets without facing legal challenges, provided they secure the necessary funding within 12 months.

A New Era of Community Ownership

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, which took effect this week, marks a pivotal moment for grassroots initiatives across the country. Ministers have framed this as the most substantial transfer of authority to communities in recent decades, empowering thousands of local groups to take control of assets like pubs, libraries, and now potentially even sports facilities. The law introduces a “community right to buy” mechanism, allowing organisations to claim ownership of properties that serve as vital community assets. This builds on the existing “right to bid” process, which has enabled groups to compete for assets of community value, though the previous six-month funding window often proved insufficient for many.

According to a recent analysis, only around 2% of community bids have succeeded in converting assets into local ownership, primarily due to the difficulty of raising funds quickly. For Taylor, the Ram’s Head represents more than just a structure—it symbolizes a renewed sense of purpose for families in crisis. “It’s safety, stability, and a future for people in our communities who have no other options,” she emphasizes, noting that the pub’s transformation could create a multifunctional hub for support, education, and social interaction.

A Bittersweet Victory

While the new law is a major step forward, its impact may be tempered by the lack of dedicated funding. Tony Armstrong, CEO of Locality, the national network for community-led groups, calls this a “watershed moment,” but adds that without financial backing, the law’s potential could remain unrealized. “There’s a clear need for targeted support and resources,” he says, highlighting concerns that the absence of a specific grant fund might limit access for less affluent communities. The previous £150m Community Ownership Fund, which provided crucial assistance to groups like Taylor’s, was not renewed by the current government, leaving many to rely on private fundraising and charitable contributions.

Armstrong’s apprehension is shared by others who have seen community efforts stall due to financial constraints. “The key risk is that this becomes a paper achievement rather than a widespread movement,” he warns. Despite the law’s promise, the 12-month timeline may be too tight for some groups, particularly those in areas with limited economic resources. Taylor’s organisation, for instance, had to combine public fundraising, loans, and grants to meet the Ram’s Head’s reserve price, a process that required sustained effort and coordination.

Expanding the Definition of Community Assets

The law also broadens the criteria for what qualifies as an “asset of community value,” a move that could unlock new opportunities for groups like Deana Bamford’s Coalville CAN. Previously, buildings had to demonstrate community use within the last five years to be eligible, but this cap is now removed. Additionally, the definition now includes assets that contribute to both economic and social well-being, as well as a dedicated category for sporting facilities. This change is particularly significant for Bamford, whose co-operative aims to repurpose the shuttered market hall in Leicestershire into a vibrant community hub.

Bamford’s group had faced rejection from the local authority, which initially deemed the market hall not an asset of community value. However, the new legislation allows them to appeal this decision, offering a fresh chance to prove the building’s potential. “We hope this will give us more leverage to convince them we’re ready to take it on again,” she says. The market hall could serve as a gathering space for local clubs, social enterprises, and a café, while also hosting rotating events to attract visitors to the town center. “Coalville is a microcosm of many towns facing similar challenges,” Bamford adds, noting the economic decline and underutilized spaces that could be revitalized with community ownership.

Coalville CAN’s success with their current headquarters, CAN HQ, provides a model for how such initiatives can thrive. By using community share offers, the co-op was able to secure funding for their present building, which showcases the work of over 100 local creatives and artists. This space also includes an advice drop-in, repair workshops, and children’s clubs, demonstrating the diverse benefits of community-led projects. Their partnership with the Coral Foundation, funded by musician Brian Eno, further underscores the importance of external support in sustaining these efforts. With the expanded legal framework, groups like Coalville CAN may now have the tools to pursue similar transformations in other parts of the country.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the law is a significant achievement, its effectiveness will depend on how well communities can navigate the funding process. Armstrong stresses that the success of these initiatives hinges on accessible resources and a clear support system. “It’s a fantastic new right, but it needs to be backed by tangible assistance,” he says. The absence of a dedicated grant fund may create a disparity, where wealthier areas have an advantage over those with fewer financial resources.

Despite these challenges, the law represents a powerful tool for fostering local resilience. For Taylor, securing the Ram’s Head could mean a safer, more stable environment for families escaping domestic abuse. For Bamford, it could revitalize a town struggling with economic stagnation. These stories highlight the broader implications of the new legislation—transforming underused buildings into community assets that address local needs and promote social cohesion. As more groups begin to leverage these rights, the hope is that they will create lasting change, ensuring that public spaces remain integral to the fabric of everyday life.

The journey to community ownership is not without obstacles, but the recent reforms signal a commitment to empowering local voices. With the right to buy now established, the next step is for organisations to capitalize on this opportunity. Whether through fundraising, partnerships, or creative financing, the challenge lies in turning these legal rights into tangible progress. As Armstrong puts it, “This is a real turning point, but we need to make sure it translates into action across the nation.” The coming months will test the resilience of these groups, but the potential for transformation remains as strong as ever.