We believe communities should have the power to change what matters to them in their local area. We’re working with partners to make the case for governing the country differently and put powers in the hands of communities.
One of our five community-led high street innovators – The Arcade Group – is working in Dewsbury to bring a Victorian shopping arcade back to life, and into community ownership. Development Director, Chris Hill, reflects on what community-led regeneration looks like in practice, and why sharing power locally between councils, community businesses and wider high street stakeholders is essential to make the most of Pride in Place.
Community business on the ground – a visit to the Heeley Trust
Paul Jenkins reflects on his visit to community anchor Heeley Trust, the barriers that remain, and why community businesses must be treated as equal partners in shaping their local spaces and places.
One of our five community-led high street Innovators - Artspace Lifespace - is transforming high streets and vacant properties into thriving creative spaces across Bristol. In this blog in a mini-series CEO Kathryn Chiswell-Jones reflects on a study visit to Stockport and explores how meanwhile space can help regenerate city centres.
Local people at the centre: Community business views on Pride in Place
In our last Pulse Survey of the year, community businesses express cautious optimism towards Pride in Place funding and the provision of Neighbourhood Boards.
A decade together: Stretford Public Hall and Power to Change
From a grassroots campaign to a bustling centre, Simon Borkin from Stretford Public Hall shares their story of determination, creativity, and the belief that extraordinary things happen when people take ownership of the places that matter.
We were meant to be together: Creating social connection in a time of division and discontent
In our next essay, Maff Potts reflects on how Power to Change and Camerados were born, shaped by the people already transforming their communities. Ten years on, the lesson is clear - real change comes from connection - especially in a time of division, disconnection and growing need for community power.
The community business view: Labour Party Conference 2025
Hannah Sloggett, Co-Director of Nudge Community Builders in Plymouth, attended the Labour Party Conference 2025 with Power to Change as part of a delegation of community business leaders. Two weeks on, she reflects on the experience and shares what’s needed to genuinely build pride in place and transform communities, beyond the Westminster bubble.
Leading with the local: reflections on Labour Conference
The Labour government arrived at its political party conference with a new story about its vision from the country, one which charts a route to national renewal by putting more power and agency in the hands of local communities.
What do community businesses think about the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill?
In our second Pulse Survey, community businesses reflected on the Bill’s provision of a Community Right to Buy – and they’ve told us they need more time, more funding and more cooperation.
New neighbourhood partnership puts community power to the test as government aims to empower communities
Power to Change has launched its first Community Covenant Test and Learn Partnership in Market Drayton, empowering residents to co-shape services with local authorities. This bold initiative marks a new era of neighbourhood-level decision-making rooted in local knowledge.
A small conversation taking place in a community business can reveal a lot about what it takes to strengthen our democracy. Where people don’t have the time to engage in local decision making and don’t think they can make a difference, we argue that the government, political parties and community organisations can do more to close the void between ordinary people and politics.
Settle in the Yorkshire Dales is a living example of community power. From a hydroelectric plant to a swimming pool and music hall – read how the social economy has helped them deliver tangible, place-based growth.
What would the future look like if communities had more say and power, and how would we make this happen? James Plunkett reflects as part of our 10th anniversary essay collection.
Give us a chance and we’ll give you community power
Next up in our 10th anniversary essay collection, Sacha Bedding, Chief Executive of the Wharton Trust, reflects on their journey to empower local people in Dyke House, Hartlepool, to take action in their community.
Why communities need the power to own environmental assets
Imagine if as well as pubs and village halls, communities could dream big and purchase beloved rivers, woods, and peat bogs. A tweak to Labour’s forthcoming Community Right to Buy could make this possible, but rumours are circulating that this change is at risk of being abandoned.
Community-powered high streets and life beyond retail
Our recent survey shows that community power is a top priority for community businesses. This year, we’re testing policies on the ground that put communities in charge.
We've joined forces with leaders locally and nationally to make a clear call to back community ownership and drive growth people can see and feel in their local area.
Celebration to setback: lessons in advocating for community ownership
The Community Ownership Fund has been a game-changer, helping communities to purchase the spaces they care about. But along with the latest allocation of funding came an announcement of the fund's closure, and an underspend that leaves many community businesses without the support they had been banking on. Our analysis explores why this happened and what we can learn from it.
