Power to Change
@powertochange.org.uk
We are the think-do tank that backs community business. We turn bold ideas into action so communities have the power to change what matters to them.
powertochange.org.uk
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Power to Change
@powertochange.org.uk
· Jan 6
✨ As we step into a new year (and a new decade for Power to Change!), we’ve been reflecting on everything that 2025 brought — a year of celebrating the people and places driving change, and imagining what the next ten years could hold.
Reposted by Power to Change
Read our blueprint for community-powered neighbourhood governance: www.right-here.org/wp-content/u... 🧵 8/8
February 9, 2026 at 1:17 PM
Read our blueprint for community-powered neighbourhood governance: www.right-here.org/wp-content/u... 🧵 8/8
Reposted by Power to Change
"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate democracy & make partnership with communities central to our way of governing. There's loads of great practice across councils we can build on, rather than starting from scratch."
@nickplumb.bsky.social, @powertochange.org.uk 🧵 2/8
@nickplumb.bsky.social, @powertochange.org.uk 🧵 2/8
February 9, 2026 at 1:17 PM
"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate democracy & make partnership with communities central to our way of governing. There's loads of great practice across councils we can build on, rather than starting from scratch."
@nickplumb.bsky.social, @powertochange.org.uk 🧵 2/8
@nickplumb.bsky.social, @powertochange.org.uk 🧵 2/8
Reposted by Power to Change
It's a useful moment - particularly with pending High Streets Strategy - to reflect on our thinking in 'Fixing the foundations', a 2024 report which looked at how economic renewal could flow into strong, resilient communities buff.ly/UmuXvGj
February 5, 2026 at 2:42 PM
It's a useful moment - particularly with pending High Streets Strategy - to reflect on our thinking in 'Fixing the foundations', a 2024 report which looked at how economic renewal could flow into strong, resilient communities buff.ly/UmuXvGj
@jesscraig.bsky.social spoke to Positive News about the communities stepping up where the state and big retailers have retreated — taking ownership of vital local assets and keeping them thriving 👇
February 6, 2026 at 10:59 AM
@jesscraig.bsky.social spoke to Positive News about the communities stepping up where the state and big retailers have retreated — taking ownership of vital local assets and keeping them thriving 👇
Reposted by Power to Change
Wrote last week about what I think should be in the high streets strategy (and it's not just support for retail businesses!)
www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
The government needs a new high streets strategy. Here’s what it should do. - Power to Change
Britain’s high streets are in visible decline, and the government needs a strategy that sets out a bold new vision. By addressing the physical, economic and ...
www.powertochange.org.uk
February 5, 2026 at 12:58 PM
Wrote last week about what I think should be in the high streets strategy (and it's not just support for retail businesses!)
www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
www.powertochange.org.uk/evidence-and...
Reposted by Power to Change
We speak to Giovanna Speciale, CEO of South East London Community Energy, about its work towards an inclusive transition
www.thenews.coop/how-a-london...
www.thenews.coop/how-a-london...
February 6, 2026 at 10:46 AM
We speak to Giovanna Speciale, CEO of South East London Community Energy, about its work towards an inclusive transition
www.thenews.coop/how-a-london...
www.thenews.coop/how-a-london...
Pride in Place continues to form a core part of the government's agenda, with 40 new neighbourhoods confirmed to receive investment. @nickplumb.bsky.social responds to the Prime Minister's speech today:
February 5, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Pride in Place continues to form a core part of the government's agenda, with 40 new neighbourhoods confirmed to receive investment. @nickplumb.bsky.social responds to the Prime Minister's speech today:
✍️ @kindredlcr.bsky.social's Jennifer Van Der Merwe blogs about the introduction of a 'British Community Reinvestment Act', and how a people‑centred approach to lending can shape a fairer financial system 👉️ buff.ly/fj4BnbF @responsiblefinance.bsky.social @lpoolcityregion.bsky.social
Finance that serves communities, not just markets - Power to Change
The recent introduction of the so‑called British Community Reinvestment Act has renewed national attention on how finance can better serve people and places ...
www.powertochange.org.uk
February 4, 2026 at 11:28 AM
✍️ @kindredlcr.bsky.social's Jennifer Van Der Merwe blogs about the introduction of a 'British Community Reinvestment Act', and how a people‑centred approach to lending can shape a fairer financial system 👉️ buff.ly/fj4BnbF @responsiblefinance.bsky.social @lpoolcityregion.bsky.social
Reposted by Power to Change
How can community-powered neighbourhood governance help rebuild trust in one of the most contested areas of local decision-making: planning and development?
Read our guest blog by @tomchance.bsky.social, Chief Executive of the Community Land Trust Network.
Read our guest blog by @tomchance.bsky.social, Chief Executive of the Community Land Trust Network.
Planning from the ground up: Neighbourhood governance and the future of development - We're Right Here
We’re Right Here is a monumental ground-up campaign for community power.
www.right-here.org
February 3, 2026 at 12:15 PM
How can community-powered neighbourhood governance help rebuild trust in one of the most contested areas of local decision-making: planning and development?
Read our guest blog by @tomchance.bsky.social, Chief Executive of the Community Land Trust Network.
Read our guest blog by @tomchance.bsky.social, Chief Executive of the Community Land Trust Network.
Reposted by Power to Change
📝 Deep dive: Britain’s high streets need more than quick fixes. In our latest long read @jesscraig.bsky.social sets out what a credible government strategy must include — from tackling empty buildings to building a new vision for the future: bit.ly/4q8NH3E
January 29, 2026 at 11:38 AM
📝 Deep dive: Britain’s high streets need more than quick fixes. In our latest long read @jesscraig.bsky.social sets out what a credible government strategy must include — from tackling empty buildings to building a new vision for the future: bit.ly/4q8NH3E
🏬 Meanwhile space can bring our high streets back to life - but it isn't enough on its own.
In this blog in a mini-series, Artspace Lifespace CEO Kathryn Chiswell-Jones reflects on lessons from Stockport & why long term community ownership is essential for lasting change.
👉️ buff.ly/KRmhkM0
In this blog in a mini-series, Artspace Lifespace CEO Kathryn Chiswell-Jones reflects on lessons from Stockport & why long term community ownership is essential for lasting change.
👉️ buff.ly/KRmhkM0
From vacant spaces to community power - Power to Change
One of our five community-led high street Innovators - ArtSpace LifeSpace - is transforming high streets and vacant properties into thriving creative spaces ...
www.powertochange.org.uk
February 2, 2026 at 4:56 PM
🏬 Meanwhile space can bring our high streets back to life - but it isn't enough on its own.
In this blog in a mini-series, Artspace Lifespace CEO Kathryn Chiswell-Jones reflects on lessons from Stockport & why long term community ownership is essential for lasting change.
👉️ buff.ly/KRmhkM0
In this blog in a mini-series, Artspace Lifespace CEO Kathryn Chiswell-Jones reflects on lessons from Stockport & why long term community ownership is essential for lasting change.
👉️ buff.ly/KRmhkM0
📝 Deep dive: Britain’s high streets need more than quick fixes. In our latest long read @jesscraig.bsky.social sets out what a credible government strategy must include — from tackling empty buildings to building a new vision for the future: bit.ly/4q8NH3E
January 29, 2026 at 11:38 AM
📝 Deep dive: Britain’s high streets need more than quick fixes. In our latest long read @jesscraig.bsky.social sets out what a credible government strategy must include — from tackling empty buildings to building a new vision for the future: bit.ly/4q8NH3E
Reposted by Power to Change
This work we @powertochange.org.uk did with @luketryl.bsky.social is a reminder of this potential
January 29, 2026 at 9:59 AM
This work we @powertochange.org.uk did with @luketryl.bsky.social is a reminder of this potential
🏬 Important coverage today on the state of Britain’s high streets. @drjennings.bsky.social's research finds people who feel their local area has declined are more pessimistic about the future + Reform supporters are most likely to report decline: buff.ly/UcFpKkQ @michaelgoodier.bsky.social
Labour risks election wipeout unless it improves Britain’s high streets, study finds
Decay of town centres a top issue among voters especially Reform UK supporters and is fuelling resentment against Westminster
www.theguardian.com
January 28, 2026 at 5:24 PM
🏬 Important coverage today on the state of Britain’s high streets. @drjennings.bsky.social's research finds people who feel their local area has declined are more pessimistic about the future + Reform supporters are most likely to report decline: buff.ly/UcFpKkQ @michaelgoodier.bsky.social
Reposted by Power to Change
This is a good idea. Need to look at places like Dumfries that have been having this conversation a while and how they (and others) are approaching it www.bbc.co.uk/news/article....
January 28, 2026 at 11:17 AM
This is a good idea. Need to look at places like Dumfries that have been having this conversation a while and how they (and others) are approaching it www.bbc.co.uk/news/article....
🏘️ Discover community-led urbanism in this newly available issue of the Urban Design journal, with examples from department stores, former icons of the high street, repurposed as community hubs, as told by @jesscraig.bsky.social.
Read the issue here: buff.ly/kFbE2Sn
Read the issue here: buff.ly/kFbE2Sn
January 28, 2026 at 10:02 AM
🏘️ Discover community-led urbanism in this newly available issue of the Urban Design journal, with examples from department stores, former icons of the high street, repurposed as community hubs, as told by @jesscraig.bsky.social.
Read the issue here: buff.ly/kFbE2Sn
Read the issue here: buff.ly/kFbE2Sn
This week the English Devo & Community Empowerment Bill moves through Committee Stage, a key moment to shift power closer to communities through new Neighbourhood Governance arrangements. Read how to get them right & give communities a real seat at the table: buff.ly/zvrBjJS@righ...
January 27, 2026 at 3:26 PM
This week the English Devo & Community Empowerment Bill moves through Committee Stage, a key moment to shift power closer to communities through new Neighbourhood Governance arrangements. Read how to get them right & give communities a real seat at the table: buff.ly/zvrBjJS@righ...
Reposted by Power to Change
In the second blog in our series on new neighbourhood governance arrangements, @hopenothate.org.uk explores how improved neighbourhood governance could help foster community agency, build resilience, and defend against divisive ideologies.
www.right-here.org/how-neighbou...
www.right-here.org/how-neighbou...
How neighbourhood governance can help us beat the far right - We're Right Here
We’re Right Here is a monumental ground-up campaign for community power.
www.right-here.org
January 23, 2026 at 10:41 AM
In the second blog in our series on new neighbourhood governance arrangements, @hopenothate.org.uk explores how improved neighbourhood governance could help foster community agency, build resilience, and defend against divisive ideologies.
www.right-here.org/how-neighbou...
www.right-here.org/how-neighbou...
✍️ Communities are taking action as high streets struggle. This first blog in a mini-series shines a spotlight on our community-led high street innovators pilot, and the 5 community businesses testing new approaches to revitalising high streets & town centres.
👉 Kate McKenzie's blog: buff.ly/M8DoXCG
👉 Kate McKenzie's blog: buff.ly/M8DoXCG
Community-led innovation on the high street: from decline to renewal - Power to Change
Communities are taking back their high streets. This first blog in our mini-series shines a light on the Community-Led High Street Innovators programme and ...
buff.ly
January 26, 2026 at 10:01 AM
✍️ Communities are taking action as high streets struggle. This first blog in a mini-series shines a spotlight on our community-led high street innovators pilot, and the 5 community businesses testing new approaches to revitalising high streets & town centres.
👉 Kate McKenzie's blog: buff.ly/M8DoXCG
👉 Kate McKenzie's blog: buff.ly/M8DoXCG
Reposted by Power to Change
Putting power back into residents' hands couldn’t be more urgent.
New Neighbourhood Governance arrangements are being shaped now. Done right, they could shift power to communities.
Our briefing with @right-here.org, @hopenothate.org.uk, & @powertochange.org.uk sets out how: https://bit.ly/3LYgzxi
New Neighbourhood Governance arrangements are being shaped now. Done right, they could shift power to communities.
Our briefing with @right-here.org, @hopenothate.org.uk, & @powertochange.org.uk sets out how: https://bit.ly/3LYgzxi
January 22, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Putting power back into residents' hands couldn’t be more urgent.
New Neighbourhood Governance arrangements are being shaped now. Done right, they could shift power to communities.
Our briefing with @right-here.org, @hopenothate.org.uk, & @powertochange.org.uk sets out how: https://bit.ly/3LYgzxi
New Neighbourhood Governance arrangements are being shaped now. Done right, they could shift power to communities.
Our briefing with @right-here.org, @hopenothate.org.uk, & @powertochange.org.uk sets out how: https://bit.ly/3LYgzxi
New Neighbourhood Governance arrangements are being shaped - and done right, they could shift power to communities. This briefing with @right-here.org, @localtrust.org.uk, and @hopenothate.org.uk sets out how: bit.ly/A-blueprint-...
bit.ly
January 21, 2026 at 12:15 PM
New Neighbourhood Governance arrangements are being shaped - and done right, they could shift power to communities. This briefing with @right-here.org, @localtrust.org.uk, and @hopenothate.org.uk sets out how: bit.ly/A-blueprint-...
Reposted by Power to Change
Proud to collaborate with @right-here.org @localtrust.org.uk @hopenothate.org.uk and @powertochange.org.uk on how New Neighbourhood Governance arrangements can put power in the hands of local people.
Read the blueprint: bit.ly/A-blueprint-...
Read the blueprint: bit.ly/A-blueprint-...
January 20, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Proud to collaborate with @right-here.org @localtrust.org.uk @hopenothate.org.uk and @powertochange.org.uk on how New Neighbourhood Governance arrangements can put power in the hands of local people.
Read the blueprint: bit.ly/A-blueprint-...
Read the blueprint: bit.ly/A-blueprint-...
NEWSLETTER🗞️| Kick off 2026 with stories of community power in action. Our film sets out the role community business can play in addressing the societal challenges of our time. Plus, latest updates, events & opportunities👇
https://mailchi.mp/powertochange.org.uk/jan26_communitybusinessnews-13703005
https://mailchi.mp/powertochange.org.uk/jan26_communitybusinessnews-13703005
January 19, 2026 at 1:15 PM
NEWSLETTER🗞️| Kick off 2026 with stories of community power in action. Our film sets out the role community business can play in addressing the societal challenges of our time. Plus, latest updates, events & opportunities👇
https://mailchi.mp/powertochange.org.uk/jan26_communitybusinessnews-13703005
https://mailchi.mp/powertochange.org.uk/jan26_communitybusinessnews-13703005
Social clubs are member-run spaces that have historically built trust between local people & institutions. Our Closing the Void paper argued associational orgs like social clubs counter divisive online discourse & social fragmentation by offering spaces for civil discussion: buff.ly/v1DwTXl
Closing the void: Can we reconnect politics with associational life? - Power to Change
This research shows that our democracy is in poor health but people who are involved in associational organisations – from book clubs to community businesse ...
buff.ly
January 15, 2026 at 11:25 AM
Social clubs are member-run spaces that have historically built trust between local people & institutions. Our Closing the Void paper argued associational orgs like social clubs counter divisive online discourse & social fragmentation by offering spaces for civil discussion: buff.ly/v1DwTXl
Reposted by Power to Change
Who's leading the revitalisation of our high streets? 👀
Across England, pioneers like Nudge Community Builders are showing the way 🌱
Great to see them recognised in the Guardian, with @powertochange.org.uk's research showing deep connection between decline of social infrastructure & polarisation.
Across England, pioneers like Nudge Community Builders are showing the way 🌱
Great to see them recognised in the Guardian, with @powertochange.org.uk's research showing deep connection between decline of social infrastructure & polarisation.
Latest from me, on an eternally overlooked, sniffed-at issue that is politically huge www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The UK’s high streets have reached a tipping point – and Reform will reap the benefits | John Harris
When even Poundland and charity shops are closing, we’re near a point of no return. But there is hope, says Guardian columnist John Harris
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Who's leading the revitalisation of our high streets? 👀
Across England, pioneers like Nudge Community Builders are showing the way 🌱
Great to see them recognised in the Guardian, with @powertochange.org.uk's research showing deep connection between decline of social infrastructure & polarisation.
Across England, pioneers like Nudge Community Builders are showing the way 🌱
Great to see them recognised in the Guardian, with @powertochange.org.uk's research showing deep connection between decline of social infrastructure & polarisation.