NDM8361 - Opposition Debate

Tabled on 20/09/2023 | For debate on 27/09/2023

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Recognises that community assets act as local hubs and provide important access to information, services, skills and social experiences.

2. Further recognises community assets improve community cohesion and allow local communities to take control of shaping the area they live in.

3. Notes Audit Wales’s community resilience and self-reliance report which outlines that local authorities find it difficult to empower people and communities to be more self-reliant and less dependent on services.

4. Regrets that there is no statutory right for communities in Wales to buy land or assets as in Scotland, and no right to bid, challenge, or build as in England.

5. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) protect community assets by enabling local people to run and expand facilities that benefit the local community; and

b) introduce a Community Ownership Fund and Right to Bid to support the takeover of assets such as libraries, pubs, leisure centres and green spaces.

Audit Wales: 'Together we can’ – Community resilience and self-reliance 

Amendments

NDM8361 - 1 | Tabled on 22/09/2023

Delete points 4 and 5 and replace with:

Welcomes the Welsh Government’s long-standing commitment to:

a)  protect community assets by enabling local people to run and expand facilities that benefit the local community;

b)  recognise, promote and share best practice across the public sector through Ystadau Cymru; and

c)  establishing a Community Assets Commission with a remit to further stimulate innovative thinking on community ownership of land and assets in Wales.