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
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.