The government’s ambitious industrial strategy sets out a bold vision for growth, but the real measure of success will be whether people feel the benefits in their daily lives. For growth to be truly transformative, it must be inclusive—rooted in communities, creating opportunities for those often left behind, and delivering lasting prosperity across every region.
New analysis from think-do tank Power to Change identifies 20% of total levelling up funding that is stuck in limbo. This comes alongside fresh polling by More in Common showing public appetite for significant changes in how regeneration funding is delivered in the short and long term.
Places and spaces matter: a Community Right to Buy
Power to change has long advocated for community ownership. Now that a Community Right to Buy looks set to be part of the government’s policy agenda, how can we make the most of this opportunity?
Recent local elections welcomed new mayors and combined authorities to England. As the dust settles, we reflect on what it means for the community business sector.
Clusters of community business at a hyperlocal level make places more resilient
Our Insight Manager discusses findings from our new Hyperlocal report, highlighting the importance of investing in community business for lasting change.
The Empowering Places programme supported and seeded community businesses in underserved areas of England using a relational approach, leadership and reputation, unrestricted grants, and flexible yet targeted support over a five-year period. This blog reflects on the learnings from the programme.
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.
Creating inclusive community spaces on our high streets
When it comes to regenerating our town centres, Community Improvement Districts aim to amplify the voices of community led organisations and residents, bringing them into partnership with businesses, councils and property owners, says Chris Neath.
High street regeneration is a complex picture, but Back on the Map in Sunderland are piloting a Community Improvement District - convening a broad and inclusive local partnership to ensure regeneration efforts succeed.
New research explores solutions for building resilient communities and tackling geographic inequalities
A new report by the British Academy and Power to Change explores how social infrastructure contributes to communities’ wellbeing, helps develop their resilience and tackles deepening geographic inequalities.
New support for community businesses facing cost of living crisis
Community businesses continue to plug the gap in growing local support needs, whilst they grapple with high costs of doing business, heating and powering their buildings.
North of Tyne Combined Authority and Power to Change are working together to invest in and grow the region’s social economy, responding directly to the sector’s evidenced needs for finance and support. But what could this support look like?
What we’ve learned from three years of evaluating Empowering Places
The Empowering Places programme aims to build more resilient and prosperous communities by building the capacity of locally rooted ‘catalyst’ organisations in six areas to seed the growth of new community businesses, says our places officer Natalie White.
Understanding community life at a hyperlocal level
Power to Change commissioned Kantar to conduct a ‘hyperlocal’ version of the Community Life Survey, focused on six places in England participating in the Empowering Places programme. This blog outlines some initial findings on the relative impact of our work in each area.
