The Community Empowerment Bill was passed on the 17 June 2015.

“A Bill for an Act of the Scottish Parliament to make provision about national outcomes; to confer functions on certain persons in relation to services provided by, and assets of, certain public bodies; to amend Part 2 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003; to enable certain bodies to buy abandoned or neglected land; to make provision for registers of common good property and about disposal and use of such property; to restate and amend the law on allotments; to enable local authorities to reduce or remit non-domestic rates; and for connected purposes.” www.scottish.parliament.uk

How does the Community Empowerment Act affect housing?

The Community Empowerment Act extends the community right to buy, so in other words, it has become easier for communities to take ownership of public sector land and buildings which could be used for housing projects where there is demand. Furthermore, the Act should strengthen the statutory base for community planning, giving the communities a stronger voice in decision making.

Communities can register an interest in property to ensure they are consulted in the event of the property being sold. The right to buy is only activated when the owner decides to sell or transfer the property in question.

Further guidance:

from the Scottish Government.

Community Land Scotland 8-Step Process.

Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS)

The policy memorandum for the bill can be downloaded here.