A Plaid Cymru Senedd Member has criticised successive Labour Governments in Wales for failing to deliver legislation on the right to buy community assets.

Peredur Owen Griffiths, who represents South Wales East, said Wales has been left lagging behind Scotland and England when it comes to empowering communities.

He added that such legislation for Wales would be useful when local authorities – such as the Labour-run administration in Caerffili County Borough – are looking to close landmark buildings such as Llancaiach Fawr or Blackwood Miners’ Institute.

During questions to Jayne Bryant, the Labour Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Peredur said: “I note the recent Government statement on the community asset commission, which was issued on 24 September.

“My question is not in any way a criticism of the people or organisations involved in that commission, but I have to say how deeply disappointing it is that Wales, in 2024, is still without legislation giving communities the right to buy local assets.

“This is something that communities in England have enjoyed for nearly a decade and a half, and the SNP Government has also introduced similar but much stronger legislation in Scotland.

“Is it any wonder that the Institute of Welsh Affairs think tank has described Welsh communities as the least empowered in Britain when it comes to the protection of land and assets?”

He added: “This is of particular interest in the region I represent, where Caerphilly's Labour cabinet has just decided to mothball the magnificent Tudor mansion and living museum, Llancaiach Fawr.

“This type of legislation would have been an alternative option for the local authority and the local community.

“How long will Welsh communities have to wait to enjoy the rights and benefits of community assets that their counterparts in the UK have had for years?

“How long will local authorities have to wait for extra tools to be able to help in this field? And how many more buildings will our communities lose before this Government gets its act together?”

In response the Cabinet Secretary said the government published guidance on community assets in 2019 and that guidance will be reviewed in 2025.

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