Unlock Democracy was a key member of the Local Works coalition, which successfully campaigned for the Sustainable Communities Bill. This legislation is now an Act and Unlock Democracy is working to raise awareness of how it can be used to combat community decline.

The Sustainable Communities Act ( England and Wales) gives new powers to communities and their elected councils to drive government policy to tackle local economic, social and environmental issues. It was supported by 80 national organisations, 300 local organisations, over 1000 parish and town councils and thousands of individuals.

It was introduced to the House of Commons by Nick Hurd MP in November 2006 and eventually received Royal Assent with the support of the three main political parties in October 2007.
Text of the Sustainable Communities Act (external link)
A Guide to the Sustainable Communities Act

Older materials

Note: these documents refer to older versions of the Bill.
Sustainable Communities Bill Guardian advert (June 2007)
Sustainable Communities Bill Briefing, June 2007
MPs Briefing – Sustainable Communities Bill (January 2007)
Citizen Extra (May 2006) – Sustainable Communities Bill

The Act does not apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Unlock Democracy supports the extension of the Act to these areas.