Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Community Ownership Fund

Monday 4 March 2024 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The 150 million community ownership fund is open to voluntary and community organisations or parish, town and community councils from all parts of the United Kingdom with a viable plan for taking ownership of a community asset at risk and running it sustainably for community benefit.
  • The fund allows bids for up to 2 million in capital funding and additional revenue funding for eligible projects.
  • The community ownership fund does not support the cost of purchasing publicly owned assets.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Daly
Context

The MP asked about the eligibility requirements for the community ownership fund, a £150 million initiative.

Question

What are the eligibility criteria for the community ownership fund?

Answer from Jacob Young

The £150 million community ownership fund is open to voluntary and community organisations or parish, town and community councils from all parts of the United Kingdom that have a viable plan for taking ownership of a community asset at risk and running it sustainably for community benefit. So far, we have awarded £71 million to 257 community projects, including £1 million to Gigg Lane, the home of Bury FC. Detailed guidance on the criteria is available in the prospectus on gov.uk.

Answered
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Q2 Miriam Cates
Local Government Religion & Faith
Context

The Silsden Methodist church in the MP's constituency is not used for worship but remains a significant community space, and there are concerns about its future due to potential sale by the Methodist Church. The building has been listed as an asset of community value.

Question

Silsden Parish Council may wish to secure the future of the Silsden Methodist church, which is listed as an asset of community value but faces a potential sale by the Methodist Church. Could my hon. Friend provide information on whether the community ownership fund might be suitable for this situation or direct me to other relevant funds?

Answer from Jacob Young

It sounds as though the church is eligible, but I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss eligibility further. Applicants can bid for up to £2 million in capital funding from the community ownership fund, with additional revenue funding available, but in the first instance I would recommend that interested applicants read the prospectus on gov.uk, as this will cover all they need to know regarding eligibility requirements, funding available and the application process.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not confirm or deny the church's eligibility without a meeting.

How: I Am Happy To Meet My Hon. Friend

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Q3 James Daly
Local Government
Context

The MP suggested expanding the eligibility of the community ownership fund to include redundant council assets.

Question

Would my hon. Friend consider amending the criteria for community ownership fund applications to allow the purchase of redundant council assets, potentially revitalising underused public buildings and spaces?

Answer from Jacob Young

I thank my hon. Friend for his advocacy for the fund and for his constituents in Bury. The community ownership fund works alongside existing community asset transfers and supports them by funding the costs of renovation and refurbishment. We cannot fund the cost of purchasing publicly owned assets where the public authority would credit a capital receipt, except in the case of parish, town and community councils, but I am happy to meet him to discuss this issue further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not commit to changing criteria without a meeting.

How: I Am Happy To Meet Him

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Q4 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Community Security
Context

In Westmorland, pubs are central to community life but often face closure threats. The MP asked if the community ownership fund can support the compulsory purchase of such establishments.

Question

Does the community ownership fund allow communities to use compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to secure under-threat local pubs for public benefit?

Answer from Jacob Young

I think the CPO process is probably a bit too lengthy for the fund itself, but I am happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss the project directly. We are very happy to help fund community pubs through the community ownership fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not confirm or deny CPO support without a meeting.

How: I Am Happy To Meet The Hon. Gentleman

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Q5 Alison Thewliss SNP
Economy Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The Citizens theatre in Glasgow, undergoing refurbishment with existing support from multiple government bodies and councils, still needs additional funds to complete the project.

Question

Given that the Citizens theatre has received various forms of support but still requires further funding due to inflation and other factors, is it eligible for assistance through the community ownership fund?

Answer from Jacob Young

Once again, it sounds as though the theatre may be eligible. I cannot comment on its eligibility today, but I am happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss whether the fund is appropriate for the Citizens theatre.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not confirm or deny eligibility without a meeting.

How: I Cannot Comment On Its Eligibility Today

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