Local decision making is changing quickly. With more powers being devolved to mayors, councils and other authorities, campaigners have new opportunities but also new complexities. To make change at a local level, it is vital to understand how power and local government works in practice. Here are three of the most common mistakes we see in influencing local government, and how to avoid them.
Misunderstanding how local power is structured
Too often campaigners treat all local authorities as if they were the same. In reality, every council has a different make-up and different ways of working. Power does not only sit with the most obvious people, such as the leader of the council or the elected mayor. Officers, committees and even informal networks can have just as much influence on local government.
Top tip: Taking time to map who actually has authority in local government, and who shapes decisions behind the scenes, is the first step towards effective influence.
Acting at the wrong time
Campaigners frequently put energy into tactics like petitions or media work, but miss the critical moments when decisions are made. By the time a budget has been set or a policy agreed, it can be too late to change direction. Local politics and local government runs on its own calendar, from consultations to cabinet meetings and election cycles.
Top tip: Planning your work around those moments means you can shape local political agendas rather than chase them.
Neglecting relationships
Another common mistake is to focus on visibility rather than relationships. A powerful campaign is rarely just about getting coverage. It is about trust and credibility with the people and communities who matter locally. That means listening to residents, involving grassroots voices from the outset and building alliances with local groups, even if they don’t always agree with you. Without that grounding, even the best plan risks falling flat.
Top tip: Plan in time to talk to residents and build alliances with local groups.
If you want to strengthen your approach to local campaigning, join our latest Deep Dive, Understanding Local Power: insider perspectives on councils, mayors and grassroots impact, Thursday 9October, 10-1pm.
This Deep Dive is led by Abdi Mohamed and Lucy Caldicott, who between them have decades of experience navigating the realities of local power.
Abdi is a Bow Councillor in Tower Hamlets and a public affairs manager who has worked across community, charity and political settings.
Lucy was Chief of Staff to the Mayor of the West Midlands and has also held senior leadership roles in the charity sector. She understands both sides of the table.
Together, Abdi and Lucy combine deep knowledge of local politics with practical campaigning insight. They will share what really happens inside councils and mayoral offices, how decisions are made, and how campaigners can position themselves to have greater impact.