We know how important our local assets are to our communities. Whether that be the local pub, shop, music venue, cinema or leisure centre, its places like these that make up the social fabric of communities across the country – bringing people together and acting as the backdrop to our lives.
However, over recent years the sad decline of the British high street paired with the UK’s stunted economic growth has meant our communities are being hollowed out of the assets that we all find important.
Far too many high streets have empty, boarded up buildings that quickly become an eyesore. They may wait years, becoming increasingly dilapidated and vandalised, before eventually being bought by large companies who often have little interest in any long-term benefit to the community.
The UK Government has committed to strengthening the powers available to communities including a first refusal on a wider range of assets of community value, reviewing the definition of community assets in existing legislation, and doubling the time period for communities to raise finance to buy assets of community value from six months to twelve as well as a Community Right to Buy.
And we want to make sure you, as Labour & Co-operative Councillors are ready to make the most of Community Right to Buy.
At The Co-operative Party we've prepared a written briefing for our Councillors, filled with useful tips, advice and how to find best practice examples when it comes to Community Right to Buy and making the most of the new legislation coming to local authorities.
Download the Briefing
Pass a motion at your your next Council meeting supporting the aims of the campaign and urging your local authority to take the steps needed to get Community Right to Buy Ready. Download model Council motion
Sign up to the campaign to commit to getting your local authority Community Right to Buy Ready. Once you've signed up we'll share best practice and additional helpful advice.
Don't forget to share the campaign sign-up with members, supporters and other Councillors.Sign-up to the Campaign
With the commitment to bring forward the English Devolution Bill which prioritises empowering local communities with a strong new ‘right to buy’ for valued community assets, such as empty shops, pubs and community spaces. This will help to revamp high streets and end the blight of empty premises. Devolving power closer to our communities and giving them more say over how things are run locally – we know that the role of Councils to deliver much of this will be huge and we want to support you in ensuring you are as prepared as possible by giving you some ideas and actions to consider whilst also asking you to share best practice of what you are doing locally.