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.
Community Business Market Report 2024
Fixing the foundations: A communities strategy for Britain
Roots of renewal: Empowering communities, transforming Britain
News and views
Our latest thinking and updates on community power.
Give us a chance and we’ll give you community power
Why communities need the power to own environmental assets
Community-powered high streets and life beyond retail
Get inspired
Stories of community power in action.
Good Things Collective
Station South
