Big Local

Definition

Big Local is a community-led initiative in the UK that aims to empower residents of specific areas to create positive change and improve their local neighborhoods. The program encourages local participation and decision-making, allowing communities to access funding and resources to address their unique needs and aspirations. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents, promoting grassroots democracy and citizen engagement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Big Local was launched in 2012 by the Big Lottery Fund, with the aim of supporting 150 areas across England over a 10-year period.
2. Each Big Local area is allocated £1 million in funding, which residents can use for projects and initiatives that they believe will benefit their community.
3. The initiative focuses on building local leadership and capacity, encouraging residents to take charge of their community's development.
4. Big Local promotes inclusivity by ensuring that a diverse range of voices within the community are heard and engaged in the decision-making process.
5. The success of Big Local projects often relies on collaboration between residents, local organizations, and public services, fostering partnerships that enhance community resilience.

Review Questions

• How does Big Local promote citizen participation in local governance?
  • Big Local promotes citizen participation by providing residents with direct access to funding and encouraging them to lead initiatives that address their community's needs. By empowering locals to make decisions about their neighborhood, Big Local fosters a culture of active involvement and ownership. This grassroots approach helps ensure that solutions are tailored to the specific context of each community, making them more effective.
• Discuss the role of funding in the Big Local initiative and its impact on community-led projects.
  • Funding plays a crucial role in the Big Local initiative as it provides communities with the financial resources necessary to implement their ideas and projects. The £1 million allocated to each area allows for flexibility in addressing local priorities, which can range from improving public spaces to supporting social activities. This financial support not only enables projects to come to life but also helps build trust within the community as residents see tangible results from their involvement.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Big Local on local democracy and community resilience.
  • The long-term implications of Big Local on local democracy include the strengthening of democratic practices at the community level and increased civic engagement among residents. By fostering an environment where locals have a say in decision-making processes, Big Local enhances accountability and transparency within governance structures. Additionally, by encouraging collaboration between various stakeholders, it builds community resilience as neighborhoods become more adaptable and responsive to challenges, ultimately creating stronger social networks and promoting sustainability.

Related terms

Community Empowerment: The process through which individuals and communities gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities to participate actively in decision-making that affects their lives.

Participatory Budgeting: A democratic process in which community members directly decide how to allocate part of a public budget, promoting transparency and accountability.

Localism: An approach to governance that emphasizes the importance of local communities having the power to influence decisions and manage resources at a local level.