In Stockport, as in communities across the country, we know that the key to sustainable and vibrant local economies lies in our high streets and neighbourhood centres. The sense of pride we all feel in our local area grows when our local shops and cultural spaces are busy and thriving.

That’s why I’m proud to back the Co-op Party’s campaign to get councils Community Right to Buy ready, and why I brought the Co-op Party’s motion to Stockport Council at the end of last year. This puts councils in a strong position to implement the government’s commitment in the English Devolution White Paper to protect ‘cherished community assets’ whilst empowering ‘communities with new rights and levers to influence their neighbourhoods.’

In practical terms, it means it will be easier for communities to take ownership of the places that mean the most to them, from theatres and community centres, to empty shops and office space, and put them to good use.

Here in Stockport we have a strong tradition of community ownership, from the iconic Stockport Plaza which was rescued by the local community and continues to provide fantastic cultural events for the borough, to pubs and cinemas kept alive and thriving by local residents with a passion for where they live.

But, like many parts of the country, we also have some local centres that have seen decline in recent years, and Community Right to Buy is a brilliant way for councils to support communities in reversing that decline, and breathing life back into our local high streets; while supporting the other fantastic work that officers and local businesses are already doing to regenerate our borough.

I’d urge all Co-operative councillors to bring this motion to their council, put Community Right to Buy firmly on their council’s agenda, and for all co-operators to join our campaign and make 2025 the year that communities feel the benefit of these new powers.

Councillor Claire Vibert
Chair of Economy, Regeneration and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee
Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council