Shared spaces are the beating heart of our communities. We all represent parts of Manchester where some of our best assets are community-owned and operated, or where community groups have made a huge difference: from Withington Public Hall Institute, to Community on Solid Ground in Whalley Range, to Castlefield’s Roman Gardens.

We moved this motion on enhancing Community Right to Buy at Manchester City Council’s February meeting, because we believe communities need more powers so they can take control of local assets – pubs, community centres, green spaces and more – and help them thrive. However, the process for applying for Assets of Community Value (ACVs) can be off-putting, with delays, bureaucracy, and lack of support. Not to mention the costs involved in making an asset good once it is in the hands of the community.

Simplifying the process and ensuring more support is in place – as well as promoting ACVs and the Council’s own Community Asset Transfer policy – will help more communities take up the opportunity to take control of assets and ensure they continue to be vital hubs.

We also welcome the Labour government introducing High Street Rental Auctions, and greater “use it or lose it” powers for councils. These can work in tandem with ACVs to help empower communities.

Community-owned and operated assets aid local regeneration. We see the benefits of this across Manchester: in Gorton, Moston, Wythenshawe; and in Withington, where a Regeneration Framework was co-produced with local residents, businesses, councillors and other stakeholders. A truly co-operative approach, one that leads to revitalised communities, stronger local economies, and a sense of both empowerment and civic pride. It’s also a central ethos in Manchester City Council’s Our Manchester strategy: a strategy that’s about doing things with people, not to them.

Too often in the past, we have seen what happens when private developers buy up buildings: empty lots, attracting fly-tipping, graffiti and other antisocial behaviour; or a glut of vape shops and takeaways, creating a sense of imbalance. This leads to feelings of powerlessness in our communities – and we have seen in the recent local elections that those who feel powerless can turn to populism. Giving our communities a greater sense of power and ownership can help stem that rising tide.

We believe in a brighter future, one based on co-operation, empowerment, and ensuring that wealth and opportunity are distributed fairly, leaving no community behind. Engendering self-help and solidarity also builds up social and community capital, offering new skills and new ties to build community cohesion and resilience.

That is why we, as proud Labour and Co-operative councillors, took this motion to Council. We were delighted it passed unanimously – now we will continue the hard work of giving power back to the people we serve.