Recommendation 132

Local authorities can also work with local communities and local businesses to regenerate their area, but this may be hampered by a lack of the necessary policies. If a local authority deems a property that it owns surplus to requirements it can transfer the ownership to a community group through a Community Asset Transfer. Sites could also be acquired with this specific intention; for example, Coventry City Council used a compulsory purchase order to buy 27 buildings and sites in its town centre in order to preserve the city’s heritage and regenerate its high streets. 267 As part of its work the council has transferred a number of assets to the Historic Coventry Trust, which was created by Coventry residents in 2011, and the buildings are being converted to workspaces, galleries and affordable housing. 268 However, Mr Moynihan noted that 55 per cent of local authorities do not have a community asset transfer policy. 269 This limits the ability of local communities to step in and take over empty or underused properties on the high street. 270