Long Labour delays on the community Right to Bid

Commenting on the launch of a Welsh Government consultation which seeks views on enabling community groups to take over and run community assets, like leisure centres or pubs, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Communities Mark Isherwood AM, said:

“It’s about time Welsh Labour ministers used the powers they already have under the 2011 UK Localism Act to give greater powers to communities. This is an option that has been available to our English neighbours for a number of years.

“Welsh Conservatives have long championed the ‘Right to Bid’ for Wales and I fear the Labour government’s proposals don’t go far enough.

“Whether a pub, post office or leisure centre; if a local amenity is threatened, the right to bid could offer protection and allow local groups to take these hugely important assets into their own hands.

“While this consultation has taken far too long, I urge everyone to have their say.”

Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Local Government, Janet Finch-Saunders AM, said:

“It’s clear that Welsh Conservatives’ campaign for greater community power is gathering strength and this is a step in the right direction.

“Why it’s taken Labour this long to introduce these proposals is baffling.

“Welsh Labour ministers must ensure communities in Wales do not continue to have a far smaller voice than their English counterparts.”