The government has announced a new £61 million community right to buy fund to help people in deprived areas take over community assets at risk of closure otherwise.
As part of the £5 billion Pride in Place programme, which aims to give local councils and community groups in England more control of what happens in their area, the new funding will allow local people to save venues such as pubs and shops.
Communities secretary Steve Reed said:
“I am pushing power out of Whitehall and into the hands of the people who actually use these high streets. They know what they need better than any politician in Whitehall.
“We’re backing communities to step in and save these high street gems, building on our drive to give communities the key to their own future and power over what matters to them.”
This funding was part of £301 million announced by the government today. It also included action on tackling profiteering in the temporary accommodation and children’s social care sector, and making it easier for social housing tenants to take control over their homes.