Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Gov.UK Housing. Read the original article for full details.

£61m Fund Announced to Help Communities Save Local Assets

The government has announced a £61 million fund to help communities in deprived areas take over pubs, shops, and other local assets at risk of closure. The funding is part of a wider £301 million package aimed at supporting high streets and increasing community control over local assets.

The new Community Right to Buy Fund was announced by Communities Secretary Steve Reed on 16 June 2026. The fund is designed to enable local people to step in and save community assets that might otherwise close, such as pubs, shops, and community centres.

This initiative is part of the government's Pride in Place programme, which totals £5.8 billion and aims to give more power and resources to local communities. The package also includes measures to streamline the Right to Manage for social housing tenants, making it easier for them to take control of their homes and estates. Reforms will include stronger enforcement action where serious mismanagement puts residents’ safety at risk, and social landlords will be encouraged to support tenants in taking up the Right to Manage.

Additional funding includes a £10 million Test, Learn and Grow Capability Fund to support up to 20 places, focusing on building regional capability and sharing learning across local authorities. There is also a £15 million Community Power Pilots fund to support community groups and local authorities in up to 25 areas to transform services for residents.

The government has also committed to working with councils in London to address profiteering in the temporary accommodation sector, aiming to prevent companies from exploiting the system.

These measures are part of broader reforms under the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act, with the goal of shifting more power from Westminster to local communities.