'Amazing' moment for communities given right to buy for the first time

'Amazing' moment for communities given right to buy for the first timeJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleEleanor LawrieSocial Affairs ReporterDebbie TaylorDebbie's organisation takes part in lots of events within the local community"It's been a rollercoaster," says Debbie Taylor.Her domestic abuse service has been trying in vain to buy the derelict Ram's Head pub in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside for nearly three years.But under landmark new "community right to buy" powers in England that came in to law this week, the organisation may finally get to transform it into a hub providing local services."It's more than a building. It's what it can represent in the future for us and for the families that we're supporting," Taylor explains. "It's safety, stability, a future for people in our communities left with no options when they're in crisis."Sweeping changes in England have put power into the hands of thousands of community groups like Debbie's.The new law is part of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, which was described by ministers as "the biggest transfer of power to our communities in a generation".It means grassroots organisations will now have a right to buy community assets unchallenged, if they can fund the necessary funds within 12 months.There is already a "right to bid" for assets of community value such as pubs and libraries, with a six-month window to raise funds. But one study suggested about 2% transfer into community ownership, mainly because groups struggle to raise the money in time.'We are thrilled'Debbie TaylorDomestic Abuse WA12 want to expand their food share programmeWhen the Ram's Head came up for auction, Taylor's organisation, Domestic Abuse WA12, had not got enough money together in time, and the pub did not meet its reserve price to sell.With a combination of a public fundraiser, bo...