BackLAW
'Watershed' moment as communities gain new rights to buy important local buildings
England's Devolution and Community Empowerment Act creates a new right for community groups to buy local assets within 12 months if they can raise funds. The Ram's Head pub in Newton-le-Willows illustrates the challenges of timing and funding, while the article notes broader concerns about funding shortages and uneven uptake. Critics warn that without dedicated resources, the rights may remain difficult to exercise across many communities.
Why It Matters
The new rights give communities a legal path to take control of local assets and expand services. However, the absence of a designated funding pot may limit practical uptake and deepen inequality between communities with varying fundraising capacity.
Timeline
5 Events
Funding concerns over the Community Ownership Fund
April 30, 2026
The government did not renew the £150m Community Ownership Fund, raising fears that without a designated pot of money, uptake of the new rights may be limited and favors wealthier communities that can raise funds quickly.
Coalville CAN market hall appeal rights
April 30, 2026
Coalville CAN, which wants to turn the market hall into a community hub, would gain the right to appeal a local authority decision under the new law after a prior rejection of the co-operative's application.
Asset of Community Value definition expanded
April 30, 2026
The law lifts the previous five-year use requirement and expands the definition to include assets that bring economic wellbeing as well as social wellbeing, adding a new sporting category.
New community right to buy powers come into law
April 30, 2026
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act introduces a new right to buy for community groups, allowing them to acquire assets unchallenged if they can fund the purchase within 12 months, expanding beyond the existing right to bid with a six-month window.
Ram's Head pub sale attempt by Domestic Abuse WA12
April 30, 2026
Domestic Abuse WA12 had been trying to buy the derelict Ram's Head pub in Newton-le-Willows for nearly three years, but when the pub came up for auction the organisation had not raised enough money in time and did not meet the reserve price.