Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Assets of Community Value: Black Horse Pub

02 December 2022 · 1 other contributor

Opened by James Murray Labour (Co-op) Ealing North

Community SecurityParliamentary ProcedureLocal Government

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

James Murray raised concerns about assets of community value: black horse pub in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • MP James Murray highlighted the historical significance and community importance of the Black Horse pub, dating back to 1726, in his constituency.
  • Murray launched a petition with over 1000 signatures demanding protection for the pub and created a committee named 'Protect the Black Horse' which successfully applied to Ealing Council to list the pub as an asset of community value.
  • Minister Nigel Evans acknowledged the importance of pubs to community life and confirmed that the asset of community value scheme allows communities to nominate places important for social wellbeing.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

James Murray Labour (Co-op) Ealing North

MP James Murray highlighted the historical significance and community importance of the Black Horse pub, dating back to 1726, in his constituency. He raised concerns about plans by owners Fuller’s to potentially sell it for housing development across the road. Murray launched a petition with over 1000 signatures demanding protection for the pub and created a committee named 'Protect the Black Horse' which successfully applied to Ealing Council to list the pub as an asset of community value. He expressed concerns about legal tactics by Fuller’s to undermine this process, urging the government to consider stronger protections such as extending moratorium periods or implementing new rights to buy for communities.

Other contributors (1)
  • Nigel Evans Con Derby North

    MP Nigel Evans commended James Murray and his committee's efforts in protecting the Black Horse pub.

Government Response

Nigel Evans

Minister Nigel Evans acknowledged the importance of pubs to community life, praising the work done by James Murray and the 'Protect the Black Horse' committee. He confirmed that the asset of community value scheme introduced in 2011 allows communities to nominate places important for social wellbeing. The minister expressed concern about legal challenges from property owners and offered to review any documentation provided. Evans highlighted government initiatives like the £150 million community ownership fund aimed at supporting communities in saving assets at risk, including successful cases involving pubs. He committed to considering potential changes to legislation based on feedback, aiming to find a balance between protecting important local assets and respecting property rights.

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