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.