Siân Gwenllian MS, Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing
and Planning: Today, I will launch a public consultation on
proposals for a Community Right to Buy Scheme for Wales. The
consultation sets out how a new statutory right could give
eligible community groups a meaningful opportunity to purchase
certain assets when an owner decides to sell.
Our Programme for Government commits us to legislate for a
Community Right to Buy. The proposals are intended to give local
groups a meaningful opportunity to bring valued assets into
community ownership.
Communities can already seek to acquire assets through routes
such as Community Asset Transfer or voluntary purchase. However,
when an asset comes onto the market, communities may have limited
time to organise, consider whether acquisition is viable and
secure finance. The consultation therefore proposes a right of
first refusal and a protected period to give an eligible
community group time to develop its proposal and prepare to
pursue a purchase.
The consultation seeks views on how the Scheme should work in
practice, including its scope and eligibility, the process for
nomination and acquisition, safeguards for owners, delivery
arrangements and the support communities may need.
The proposals have been informed by early engagement with
community organisations, local authorities, asset owners,
businesses and other stakeholders. The consultation provides a
wider opportunity for people and organisations across Wales to
help shape the detailed design of the Scheme.
The consultation will be open until 4 January 2027. I encourage
communities, asset owners, local authorities, businesses and
anyone with an interest in community ownership to share their
views. Responses will help inform the final policy and the
development of the legislation.
