Community Rights to Buy: consultation analysis

3.8 Registration

Q18: Should the registration period be extended from the current five-year period?

This question first invited respondents to choose from Yes/No/Unsure. The accompanying free text box also invited additional comments.

There was a total of 48 standard responses to this question with 47 respondents selecting a voting option and 34 providing additional comments in the free text box.

Regarding the voting options, the breakdown was as follows:

Summary

The majority of respondents were in favour of increasing the registration period but differed in how long it should be (most opted for 10 years). For those against, the reason most often cited was the potential for changes within communities over 5 years.

Themes

A majority favoured an increase in the registration period, and many used the free text box to suggest that 10 years was an appropriate figure. Others simply noted it should be increased or suggested that 7 years would be appropriate. A figure of 20 years was also suggested. Some respondents added that if an increase was not possible or isn’t progressed then an alternative option could be to simplify the re-registration process as much as possible.

“10 years would not be unreasonable but having an up-to-date business plan, less than 5 years, old could be a requirement.” (Individual respondent)

“Given the work that goes into an application for registration, we would consider 10 years to be a more appropriate timescale for re-registration.” (South of Scotland Enterprise)

The remaining respondents tended to favour keeping the registration period as it currently stands on the basis that this balances minimising the burdens on community groups with reducing uncertainties for owners and also ensures that the community’s interest remains ongoing. Reduction to two years was also suggested.

“5 years is a significant period of time and it is right to refresh the validity of a registration on a cycle of that period. An extension to say 10 years would mean many registrations become zombies and simply an obstruction.” (Atholl Estates)

“We believe that 5 years provides a useful touch point in terms of formal registration of interest. We do, however, feel that consideration could be given to reviewing the re-registration process to ascertain if it could be made more light touch.” (Scottish Land and Estates)

“Five years is long enough. A lot can happen within a community in 5 years, quite apart from external factors such as the economy or other local developments” (Individual respondent)