The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
How new legislation will help keep your local pub open.
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill will empower local communities to protect vital assets like pubs by expanding legal recognition, strengthening the right to buy, and restricting unwanted development.
Through enhanced local authority powers and clearer pathways for community ownership, the Bill will make it easier for residents to keep their local pubs open and thriving.
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If you have a local community asset that you are concerned about, contact me today.
1. Expanded Definition of Assets of Community Value (ACVs)
The Bill broadens the definition of ACVs to include a wider range of community assets, such as pubs, post offices, and sports facilities. This means more pubs could be formally recognised as vital to the community, giving them legal protection against closure or redevelopment.
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2. Community Right to Buy
Clause 60 of the Bill introduces a strengthened Community Right to Buy, allowing local groups to purchase ACVs when they come up for sale. This will give communities a legal pathway to take ownership of their local pub if it's at risk of being sold or shut down.
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3. Protection Against Unwanted Development
The Bill includes measures to restrict the disposal or redevelopment of ACVs without community consultation. This will help prevent pubs from being converted into housing or retail spaces without local input.
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4. Support for Local Governance and Funding
By empowering mayors and local authorities with greater control over planning, regeneration, and funding, the Bill will enable targeted support for community-led initiatives, potentially including pub preservation schemes.