2025 has been a landmark year for Local Trust and the Big Local programme. This end-of-year reflection explores how the Big Local programme has influenced national policy, secured major funding, and shaped the future of community power in the UK.
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blog Nov 2025
Community spirit
Community power in practice: four lessons from the Big Local programme
As the Big Local programme concludes, its legacy highlights the power of resident-led, long-term funding to transform neighbourhoods. Big Local strengthened community power and the lessons and impact of the program will continue to shape future community led action
blog Nov 2025
Community spirit
Local economies
Power and leadership
All Together for Community Connectedness: How research strengthens social connection
Professor Sarah Pearson, Director of the Centre for Collaboration in Community Connectedness, reflects on the recent conference ‘All Together…
blog Nov 2025
Community spirit
Local economies
Another ‘fiscal event’ that can’t give us what we need
As the anticipation builds for another Autumn budget, Madeleine Jennings, our head of policy and communications argues that real change depends on long-term, place-based investment that strengthens neighbourhood capacity and deepens social fabric
blog Nov 2025
Community spirit
One route to building more connected communities? Social capital
In this policy spotlight, Natasha Meldrum explores how investing in social capital can strengthen inclusion, rebuild trust, and foster belonging across neighbourhoods. The blog highlights how social infrastructure and equal access to opportunity can help communities reweave their social fabric and create lasting change
research Local economies
Policy spotlight 3: How investing in social capital builds cohesive communities
The final paper in our policy spotlight series summarises the evidence on social capital and its contribution to community cohesion.
News Oct 2025
From launch to legacy: celebrating 15 Years of Big Local impact
With the Big Local programme nearing its close in March 2026, we’re turning our attention to the achievements, impact…
blog Oct 2025
The road to the Community Wealth Fund: reflections one month on
The government’s announcement in September 2025 that the Community Wealth Fund will be targeted at doubly disadvantaged neighbourhoods marks…
research Community spirit
Bridging the divide: the hidden power of social capital to drive social mobility
This paper examines the relationship between social capital and social mobility in the UK through the lens of place.