Deana Bamford
Chair of the We’re Right Here Campaign and connector at Coalville C.A.N.
The Guardian’s recent view on hyperlocalism was right to call more powers for communities. But it failed to mention the government’s introduction of a new community right to buy, which will be transformative for many communities.
At the We’re Right Here campaign, we’ve long been calling for this as part of a Community Power Act. It will give communities the right of first refusal once buildings and spaces with significant community value come up for sale.
Across the country, communities are being shut out as key buildings are boarded up or destroyed. But imagine if communities had the right to decide what these spaces are used for, before any investors, developers or bureaucrats have a say. A scenario where local people can come together to repurpose a building to meet the needs of their community, as we are doing at Coalville C.A.N. with our community share offer.
Devolving power closer to communities is not a noble ideal. It’s necessary to revitalise our local areas. A community right to buy is just one step towards realising true community power for all people. That’s why the government should go further to introduce all elements of a Community Power Act through its Devolution Bill.
We are calling for a new set of community rights, building on those introduced in the 2011 Localism Act. To exercise these rights, we want to see the introduction of Community Covenants, a mix of local authorities, parish and town councils, neighbourhood forums, existing community organisations, and new local alliances of community organisations and groups.
There’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution for our communities. Minimum national standards and local flexibility can coexist. We need solutions that reflect the unique needs and ambitions of each community. It’s time to take seriously the demand for greater community power.
