Welsh Government has confirmed that legislation establishing a Community Right to Buy will be among the first Bills introduced in the new Senedd, a move welcomed by WCVA as a significant step towards giving communities greater control over the places that matter to them.

WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action) - the national support body for voluntary organisations in Wales has welcomed the Welsh Government’s commitment to bring forward legislation establishing a Community Right to Buy, describing it as a major opportunity to strengthen community ownership and empower local people across Wales.

A Community Right to Buy was a core proposal in WCVA’s voluntary sector manifesto and has been a long-standing call from WCVA and voluntary organisations across Wales. Making it an early legislative priority demonstrates clear intent to give communities greater power to protect the buildings, land and spaces that matter to them.

The legislation must be developed in genuine partnership with communities and the voluntary sector, recognising them as equal partners and drawing on their experience and expertise to ensure the new right works in practice.

Alongside this, communities must also be able to access the advice, finance and practical support needed to acquire assets and manage them successfully for the long term. This requires a joined-up approach across government and the voluntary sector that gives communities the tools and capacity to shape resilient places, strengthen local economies and improve wellbeing.

Lindsay Cordery-Bruce, Chief Executive of WCVA, said: “This is a significant and welcome commitment. A meaningful Community Right to Buy could help keep vital assets in community use and give people greater control over the future of their places.

“WCVA looks forward to working with the Welsh Government and all parties in the Senedd to develop ambitious, practical legislation that works for communities across Wales.”