The Relationship Between Money and Community Power in the Big Local Programme

Introduction

This research explores how money affects community power in the Big Local programme. It examines how funding enables residents to build skills, influence decisions, and strengthen long‑term community control and capacity The report examines how funding structures shape local decision-making. It aims to inform funders, policy makers, and community organisations interested in shifting power to communities.

Findings

The research found that long-term, flexible funding supported stronger community control. When residents had real authority over spending, they built confidence and leadership skills.

The research found that:

• flexible funding helped residents set their own priorities

• outcomes depend on local conditions, including whether existing institutions share control with communities

• clear resident control strengthened accountability to the local community

• external rules and reporting requirements sometimes limited local power

• support from trusted partners helped residents manage funds effectively

• money alone did not create power; relationships and confidence also mattered

The report highlights how money is structured and can either enable or restrict community leadership.