Community right to challenge
The community right to challenge was created in England by the introduction of the Localism Act 2011 and came into effect on 27 June 2012. It is supported by secondary legislation; The Community Right to Challenge (Fire and Rescue Authorities and Rejection of Expressions of Interest) (England) Regulations 2012 and The Community Right to Challenge (Expressions of Interest and Excluded Services) (England) Regulations 2012.
The community right to challenge offers communities the opportunity to have more control and play a bigger role in running and shaping local services by giving them the right to express an interest in taking over a local service, or a part of it, where they think they can do it in a different manner or in a better way.
Under the community right to challenge an expression of interest (EOI) can be submitted to challenge or take on the provision of services by relevant authorities:
- County councils.
- District councils.
- London borough councils.
- Certain fire and rescue authorities.
The government suggest that the following ‘relevant bodies’ are eligible to submit expressions of interest:
- Town or parish councils.
- Two or more county council employees.
- Community groups or voluntary organisations.
- Charitable trusts or bodies.
- Social enterprises.
- Any person or body specified by the Secretary of State.
Expressions of interest should follow the statutory guidance, including specific information to ensure they can be assessed fairly and in full:
- Identification of the service in question and the geographical area to which it relates.
- Financial information.
- Evidence of capability to provide the service.
- Details of the social, economic or environmental benefits.
- Specifics of meeting service user’s needs.
An expression of interest may be rejected for a number of reasons:
- It has not been submitted by a relevant body or group.
- It contains inaccurate or inadequate information.
- It relates to a service the authority are not responsible for.
- It relates to a service the authority has already agreed will be delivered by another group.
- The submission is considered frivolous or vexatious.
- The service is already subject to procurement.
- The expression of interest is likely to breach statutory duties.
Once an expression of interest is submitted, an initial response should be given within 30 days. More information may then be required, but a decision can be made within 4 months.
If the relevant authority agrees to accept the expression of interest, it must run a procurement exercise, which is then opened up to other groups and bodies that did not submit the original expression of interest. This process is open and no favour is given to the party that submitted the expression of interest.
A support and advice service is run by Locality and the Social Investment Business.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.