Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to replace the Community Ownership Fund and support communities to take ownership of public assets at risk of closure.

This Government remains committed to the communities’ sector and to community empowerment.  The Devolution White Paper, which was published on 16 December 2024, set out plans which demonstrate our commitment.

As part of the English Devolution Bill, we will legislate to introduce a strong new ‘right to buy’ for valued community assets, such as empty shops, pubs and community spaces. This will empower local people to bring community spaces back into community ownership and end the blight of empty premises on our high streets.

Community Right to Buy will help local people acquire valued community spaces if they come up for sale, keeping these assets in the hands of the community.

There will be further announcements relating to communities this year, including on the community ownership of assets.