Councils to sell off buildings to locals

Disused properties, including pubs, could be sold off for as little as £1 by councils under a new government scheme to restore local facilities.

Councils will be able to sell off or lease unused sites, such as police stations, old hospitals and closed down pubs, if such moves are seen as good for the community.

Authorities will be asked to pinpoint unused sites that could benefit the community and a £30m fund will support 20 pilot schemes across the country to boost the transfer of assets.

Launching the scheme, Ruth Kelly, communities secretary, said: "We want local people to have the chance to take greater ownership of local assets for community use.

"We know from experience that people want a real say and real involvement in decision-making, and for local government to give them the opportunities to shape their communities and meet their ambitions."

However the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), which launched the Community Pubs Foundation in 2005 to save local pubs, hopes some will remain for this use. A CAMRA spokesman said: "In far too many instances pubs are left derelict after planning permission to convert into a home or offices has been refused, therefore depriving many communities of a valuable asset.

"The recommendations in this report mean local authorities will have more power to stop this practice and give pubs back to the people who appreciate them."

This latest scheme comes in the wake of the Rating (Empty Properties) Bill, which will slash business rate relief on empty commercial properties.