Community Right to Bid

The Community Right to Bid came into effect in autumn 2012. The right to bid gives community groups an opportunity to bid to buy community buildings and facilities that are important to them.

This could be the:

• village shop
• pub
• community centre
• children's centre
• allotment
• library

The right will include private as well as public assets.

Local authorities are required to keep a list of assets of community value. If an owner of a listed asset wants to sell it they have to notify the local authority. The local authority then, in turn, has to notify any interested parties. If local groups are interested in buying the asset they have six months to prepare a bid to buy it before the asset can be sold.

There is more information about the Community Right to Bid, and advice on grants and support, on the My Community website.

Nominating an asset

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has prepared a guidance note to assist local groups that wish to nominate a facility or building for inclusion on the council’s List of Assets of Community Value for the borough. The guidance note accompanies an Asset of Community Value Nomination Form that must be completed in order for the council to take a decision on whether the proposed facility or building should be included on the list.

Please email business@tunbridgewells.gov.uk for the guidance notes and nomination form.