The Future Generations Commissioner for Wales has called for a new Community Right to Buy Bill, warning that much-loved pubs, parks, religious buildings, village halls and heritage buildings could be lost forever unless communities are given a fair chance to save them.
This week, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Derek Walker urges political parties to introduce a Community Right to Buy Bill, warning that opportunities to improve health, celebrate our heritage, generate local energy, and boost economies could be lost without stronger community rights.
Mr Walker, who includes the call in his Future Generations Report as a recommendation to Welsh Government, says:
“From reducing loneliness to boosting local economies – communities know best what they need to thrive. But too often, they’re locked out of decisions about the places that matter most. It’s time to give them the power to act.”
The proposed law would give local people the first right of refusal and support when land or buildings important to them go up for sale, particularly from local authorities. It would put Wales on a level footing with Scotland and England, where communities already have stronger legal rights to protect local assets.
Recent initiatives such as Welsh Government’s Perthyn scheme, which provides small grants for new social enterprises and community-led housing, and the work of the Community Asset Commission (2024), show momentum is building. But without legislation, communities remain at risk of losing the assets that make them thrive.
In 2022, the Senedd Local Government and Housing Committee concluded that community ownership has been shown to:
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Keep money in the local economy.
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Improve health and well-being.
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Create spaces for culture, food projects and green energy.
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Safeguard heritage sites for future generations.
Mr Walker added:
“The true wealth of a community lies in its people – dedicated individuals who use their skills and knowledge, often as volunteers, to protect and run the places that matter most. Communities in Wales are ready to lead – but they need the tools and levers. A Community Right to Buy Bill would give them that chance and ensure vital spaces stay at the heart of community life.”
A 2022 study by Building Communities Trust identified 438 examples of community-led or community-owned assets across Wales – but there are many more important assets at threat of closure that could benefit from community ownership.
From parks and leisure centres to community halls, allotments and even public toilets – these are the everyday assets found in communities across Wales. While Wales has some guidance in place to support successful community asset transfers, different challenges present themselves for many communities.
One positive example is Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre (HHCC) in Pembrokeshire. First opened in 1928, the centre faced closure by the local authority before residents stepped in to save it. By forming a charitable incorporated organisation, the community secured a transfer from Pembrokeshire County Council in 2018.
Since then, the centre has become a thriving hub, hosting more than 350 people a week during term-time and offering everything from art classes, Welsh language groups and gardening clubs to mental health drop-ins, playgroups and dance sessions. Improvements include solar panels, LED lighting and a new play area have cut costs and boosted sustainability.
HHCC trustee Peter Llewellyn said:
“It’s hard to believe how close the centre came to closing. Now it’s a vibrant hub, offering wellbeing activities for all ages and abilities. Trustees and volunteers take great pride in keeping it alive for the community.
“All communities should be able to do what we’ve done.
“It is helping to connect the community and providing that crucial space for everyone, which is especially important at a time when communities can be divided or when people are experiencing loneliness.
“One of the biggest changes is perception – people know that it’s ours and a sustainable community centre that we want to be here for years to come.”
Chris Johnes, Chief Executive of Building Communities Trust, added:
“Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre shows just what’s possible when communities control land, buildings or facilities. If every community in Wales had the legal right to buy and protect local assets, the benefits for health, culture, sustainability and the economy would be huge. That’s why we strongly support the Commissioner’s call for a Community Right to Buy Bill.”
This call follows an open statement sent to the First Minister on International Democracy Day by the Future Generations Commissioner and other signatories (including Co-production Network and the Older People’s and Children’s Commissioners). The statement called for better support and funding for public services to enable better involvement of the public in decision making.
It says community ownership is a powerful example of citizen powered solutions.
And by enshrining community rights in law, Wales can ensure that treasured places remain at the heart of community life, not just for today’s residents but for generations to come.
