UK Government Ends Community Ownership Fund Early, Redirecting Unused Funds

The £150 million scheme to save local pubs, parks, and community assets closes with £135 million allocated and remaining funds reallocated to other priorities.

• The Community Ownership Fund, launched in 2021 to help local groups save cherished assets, has been closed early due to public finance constraints.
• Approximately £135 million of the £150 million fund has been distributed to 409 projects, with £36 million allocated in the final round announced today.
• The fund has supported the preservation of community landmarks, including pubs, parks, sports facilities, and cultural sites across the UK.
• Unspent funds from the scheme will be redirected to other government priorities, with officials citing budgetary pressures as the reason for the early closure.
• Ministers have promised to outline future strategies for community asset ownership as part of broader reforms under the English Devolution White Paper.

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