Welsh Government consults on 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”, Siân Gwenllian MS, Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning said in a written statement.

Gwenllian said: “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 minister added that 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, she said.

The consultation will be open until 4 January 2027.