Big Local was built on a simple but radical idea: that communities themselves are best placed to shape lasting local change.
Across England, residents transformed empty buildings, created community spaces, supported neighbours and built stronger local networks, all while reshaping how decisions were made in their communities.
With the programme now complete and Local Trust preparing to close in early 2027, there is an opportunity to take the learning from Big Local forward – shaping how we fund, support and grow communities in the future.
Whether you work in policymaking, funding, research or community development, Learning from Big Local offers practical evidence and real-world insight into community-led change.
Big Local in numbers
- 150 communities across England
- 15 years of learning
- £1m invested in every area
- 123 legacy organisations continuing beyond the programme
Why this learning matters now
At a time when government, funders and communities are rethinking neighbourhood renewal and community resilience, the lessons from Big Local feel more relevant than ever.
Fifteen years of resident-led change provide practical evidence of what communities can achieve when they are trusted with control over money and the freedom to shape local priorities themselves.
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