This guide has been prepared to help combined authorities and local authorities to utilise their UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocations to support the local social economy. It draws on forthcoming Power to Change research, and we will update it with new information and as this research is published.
At the end of 2025, Power to Change was invited to join Mayor Kim McGuinness’s new Commission tasked with reviving struggling high streets in the North East. Ahead of the Commission launch, we spoke to community businesses across the North East to understand their vision for the future of the high street and what can be learnt from community-led action that is already taking place on the ground.
Five lessons for local authorities to grow their social economy
At Power to Change we recognise the importance of local and regional government backing to help grow local social economies. Our five lessons can support councils and combined authorities to intentionally and purposefully grow their social economy.
