After months of debate, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill has passed into law. Our CEO Dr Sue Griffiths hopes it’s a step towards transforming England “from one of the most centralised systems in the world, to a nation where communities feel government truly collaborates with them”.
Having worked on a vast range of political reform programmes globally, Sue reflects that real change can only be achieved when people see and experience improvements to their daily life. “Whether your local pub stays open, your kids have a safe place to socialise, and your high street prospers”.
Today’s Act includes a Community Right to Buy, which we’ve been calling for as part of the We’re Right Here campaign for community power, and proposals for neighbourhood governance, which will help local people improve and enjoy spaces they love.
But, says Sue, “rebuilding trust between communities and those who govern, and driving lasting change across England, requires not just new powers, but a radical new approach to how those powers are shared and exercised; real partnerships at community level, and funds directed to where they are most needed.”
The Act is a welcome moment of real progress. It shows that community power is no longer an idea on the fringes of our politics, and is firmly on the national agenda. But while this legislation moves us forward, it doesn’t yet give communities all the powers they need to truly shape their places and futures.
Alongside the We’re Right here campaign, we will continue to work with partners and supporters across the country to push for community-powered neighbourhood governance and for further action to unlock the potential within all of our communities. With other like-minded organistations, we’ve written to the Minister for Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh, to call for a different kind of conversation. We’re asking the Minister to meet not just with policy staff, but with community leaders – the people doing this work every day, who understand what works on the ground and what needs to change.
Community Community leadership Community needs and priorities Local government and public services community power english devolution English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act english devolution and community empowerment bill We're Right Here Posted on: 29 April 2026