Will the Cabinet Secretary change the rules on community asset transfers in Wales to reflect the system in England, particularly with the regard to the rights local communities have to bid for locals pubs when they become available?
I have no immediate plans to bring the Assets of Community Value measures contained in the Localism Act 2011 into force in Wales.
We are working across sectors to develop a Made in Wales approach to community asset transfer, by bringing together asset owners; organisations providing advice on community asset transfer; community groups already managing assets; and groups interested in taking on community assets in order to do this.
We recognise the contribution pubs can make to communities. We will shortly be consulting on a review of Town and County Planning (Use Classes) Order, which will include measures on how the conversion or demolition of public houses can be given greater scrutiny within the planning process.