Member

I turn to Amendment 235ZA, also tabled by the noble Baroness, Lady Hoey. Community right to buy is not designed to compel owners to sell their assets if they do not wish to. However, the policy means that, if they do wish to sell an asset, the community must have the first right of refusal on its purchase. Where they do not wish to sell, there are already well-established legal mechanisms for the compulsory purchase of ACVs. For example, local authorities can make compulsory purchase orders, which may be exercised on behalf of community groups or parish councils, to acquire assets providing that there is a compelling case in the public interest.