Building community power

Communities should have the power to change what matters to them in their local area.

When communities see a problem, they must be able to fix it. When they see an opportunity, they must be able to grasp it. When a decision is made about their community, they must have a seat at the table and their voice should be heard. That’s community power.

But power is hoarded and distant, problems remain unfixed, and opportunities are lost because communities are blocked from making their full contribution to national life. People are left disengaged with, disenchanted by, and distrustful of institutions who both will not let communities get a grip on what happens in their local area, at the same time these institutions are not able to fix problems or grasp opportunities themselves.  

There is talent and potential in every community. Community business is giving expression to this and making change happen. But this is in spite of a system that works against them and they are ready to do more with one that works with them. In places where the social fabric has frayed, community business is a way to restitch it.   

Communities are blocked from making their full contribution to national life. 

We need to release community power through community business.

Want to work with us? Contact our Policy Manager, Josh Westerling.

We’re calling for a Community Power Act

We’re a proud partner of the We’re Right Here campaign, calling for a Community Power Act, a major piece of legislation which would fundamentally change where power lies in this country.

The Community Power Act would:

Establish new community rights

The Act would create a Community Right to Buy important public buildings and spaces, a Community Right to Shape Public Services, and a Community Right to Control Investment over key spending decisions in their neighbourhood.

 

Introduce community covenants

Community covenants would give local people a vehicle for change at the neighbourhood-level. They would work together with community organisations, local authorities and other public bodies to improve their place.

 

Establish a Community Power Commissioner

We advocate for an independent Community Power Commissioner in Government, charged with steering and promoting cross-governmental action to unlock the power of communities.

 

We’re calling on politicians to give us communities real power to make our places better.

We want to tell a different story about power, control and influence. Because you don’t just find these in Westminster, you find them in every neighbourhood.

Research and reports

What works to give communities more power.

Closing the void: Can we reconnect politics with associational life?

Closing the void: Can we reconnect politics with associational life?

This research shows that our democracy is in poor health but people who are involved in associational organisations – from book clubs to community businesses to working men’s clubs – are more likely to have trust in democratic institutions than those who are not. This report sets out concrete recommendations to government and political parties to renew our democracy through grassroots civil society, closing the void between citizens and democratic institutions.
The community business market in 2024

The community business market in 2024

Our first bi-annual report on the community business market shows the positive impact they continue to have on local communities, other businesses, and their high streets.
Fixing the foundations: A communities strategy for Britain

Fixing the foundations: A communities strategy for Britain

This paper explores community cohesion, empowerment and growth in response to the riots across the UK this summer. The recommendations put communities in the lead, reflecting the importance of places to meet and the need for support from all levels of government.
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News and views

Our latest thinking and updates on community power.

Pool table democracy

Pool table democracy

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: community power and placed-based growth

Settle: community power and placed-based growth

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.
Imagine if we took community seriously

Imagine if we took community seriously

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.
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Get inspired

Stories of community power in action.

Station South

Station South

An old train station connecting communities once again
Hampstead Norreys Community Shop

Hampstead Norreys Community Shop

Villagers in rural West Berkshire raised funds through donations, grants and a community share offer to open a community shop.
Glamis Hall

Glamis Hall

In 2014, Wellingborough Council decided it couldn’t afford to keep a day centre for the elderly open so residents, left reeling by its closure, stepped up and took it on.
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