Designed from the outset to be radically different from other funding programmes, in terms of scale, time horizon and ethos, nothing like it had ever previously existed. At the heart of Big Local was a vision of community development that championed resilient, dynamic, asset-rich neighbourhoods, making their own decisions on what is best for their area. Through the programme, 150 areas across England have been enabled to create lasting change in their neighbourhoods.
What made Big Local different?
Big Local was designed with several core features that made it different from traditional top down, time-limited, project-led funding schemes:
- Long-term: With between 10-15 years to spend their Big Local funding, neighbourhoods were provided certainty and continuity over the resources.
- Resident-led: Decisions about what to fund were made directly by individuals living, working, studying and playing in areas, building confidence and capacity amongst those wanting to make a difference to their community and local area.
- Non-prescriptive: The programme enabled residents to spend on their own terms and in their own time, on the projects they judged to be most important to them.
- Patient and non-judgemental: On their way to achieving their ambitions, communities were given the time and opportunity to learn, make mistakes, resolve disagreements and overcome challenges for themselves.
- Accompanied by flexible and responsive support: To help communities build the confidence and capability to make the most of the opportunities available to them, whilst not constraining their ambition and initiative.
How did it work?
This short video provides an overview of how the programme was delivered.
What outcomes did Big Local set out to deliver?
In response to the design of the programme, the outcomes set for Big Local were deliberately broad, providing maximum scope for communities to set their own priorities.
- Communities will be better able to identify local needs and take action in response to them.
- People will have increased skills and confidence, so that they continue to identify and respond to needs in the future.
- The community will make a difference to the needs it prioritises.
- People will feel that their area is an even better place to live.
What was the impact of Big Local?
Our interactive map allows you to find and explore a summary of each former Big Local area.
The Learning from Big Local website captures 15 years of learning from the programme. With summaries on each former Big Local area, and packed full of research articles, reports and resident stories, the website offers a comprehensive resource for community led change.
Throughout 2026, Local Trust is working in partnership to provide a range of opportunities to hear more about the learning from Big Local.