Labour mulls plan to boost local buyouts of community sites in England

Commission’s proposal backed by Co-op party aims to expand existing scheme with sixfold increase in purchases

Vacant pubs, shops and community centres put up for sale in England could be offered to local groups to buy first under “take back control” plans being explored by Labour before the general election.

Under the proposals, local groups would be given the “right to buy” much-loved community assets when they come up for sale, with financial backing from the state and an exclusive 12-month period in which to make their offer.