Big Local has given communities the space to build, and in some cases rebuild, structures, plans and action. It has also changed mindsets in communities. Residents have demonstrated an understanding of what investment over the long-term can look like.

Analysis of success in Big Local through the Our Bigger Story evaluation demonstrates three things. First, that all areas had made progress towards each of the Big Local outcomes. Second, those areas making the clearest progress against the outcomes were also those which had increased agency, suggesting that these outcomes are important steps along the way to greater power and influence for communities as the ultimate impact of Big Local. Third, ‘success’ in these terms was variable over time and between areas. A combination of interacting factors was significant with the most critical success factor appearing to be the engagement of skilled, capable individuals. These people helped to ensure that the community vision was collectively held and developed pathways enabling residents to grow community activity, build relationships, configure leadership, create community-controlled spaces and generate a sense of collective identity.