Trusting Local People: Putting Real Power in the Hands of Communities

Introduction

This research evaluates the Trusting Local People programme. The programme gave long-term funding to small ‘left behind’ neighbourhoods and helped residents decide how to use it. Other themes include the wider devolving of power to communities and support with more complex decision making. The study examines how this approach builds community power and improves local outcomes.

It’s intended to inform:

• funders

• policymakers

• community organisations

Findings

The evaluation found that giving residents control over funding strengthened:

• confidence

• skills

• local leadership

It also found that long-term, flexible funding created space for communities to address local priorities in their own way.

The research found that:

• resident-led decision-making increased participation, trust and civic pride while reducing alienation

• investing in social infrastructure, building residents skills and capacity, and transferring resources and power to communities all helped to inspire change

• long-term funding supported deeper and more inclusive engagement

• strong local relationships improved delivery and sustainability

• progress depended on local capacity and existing networks

• change was gradual and required ongoing support

Areas that invested in inclusive engagement were more likely to involve a wider range of residents.