Laura Sharman 01 December 2021

Campaigners call for new law to empower communities

Campaigners call for new law to empower communities image

Campaigners have called for a new Community Power Act to give communities a legal right to self-determination.

The We’re Right Here campaign argues new legislation would ensure local authorities would have to make decisions about services and spaces at the 'most local' level possible.

It would also give new powers to community organisations and local people through Community Covenants between communities and councils.

The campaign also calls for a new independent Community Power Commissioner to investigate government policies and make binding recommendations to put power in people’s hands.

An open letter to secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities, Michael Gove, states: 'We believe that empowering communities is essential to fulfilling your ambition of levelling up the country. And we want to propose a new, transformative piece of legislation – a Community Power Act – to achieve this. This legislation would fundamentally change where power lies in our country.

'Rather than politicians and officials in distant centres of power making decisions from afar, local people would have the powers they need to shape the areas where they live.'

The campaign is led by seven people who have experience of building stronger communities and is supported by organisations such as Power to Change, New Local and Locality.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50
This is a high-impact leadership role focused on delivering Cherwell's Climate Action Plan Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services

Cherwell District Council
£113,435.50 - £125,379 / Grade
This is more than a leadership role - it's an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Head of Chief Executive's Office

Cherwell District Council
£68,930 - £73,320.50 / Grade M
This is a pivotal leadership position at the heart of the Council Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Cherwell District Council

Short Breaks Community Officer

North East Lincolnshire Council
£28,142 FTE
This is a varied role where no two days will be the same. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Casual Cleaning Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £24,796 Pro rata to hours worked £12.85 per hour
Are you looking for work that fits around your schedule and lifestyle? Casual Cleaning Assistants required post based at the Empire Theatre, Consett. Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner