Community Right to Challenge relevant bodies

Who has the right to challenge?

The Right to Challenge guidance defines ‘Relevant Bodies’ who are eligible to submit an expression of interest as:

• Voluntary bodies – this is a body that is not a public or local authority, the activities of which are not carried out for profit. It can generate a surplus provided it is used for the purposes of its activities or invested in the community.
• Community bodies – this is a body which is not a public or local authority, the activities of which are primarily for the benefit of the local community.
• Parish councils
• Two or more employees of the relevant authority
• Any other person or body specified by the Secretary of State by regulations

We will only consider submissions from bodies that meet one of the above criteria.

What to consider

Running a service is very complex and requires relevant skills and experience and demonstrable evidence that you understand and are able to meet the needs of the service.

Before submitting an Expression of Interest you should take the time to understand the existing service and you might also like to consider taking advice from some of the independent organisations who can advise on the process:

• The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) support programme - The DCLG had appointed a group of organisations to support community groups who are interested in pursuing their Community Right to Challenge.
• National information on the Right to Challenge
• Network for community led organisations
• Localism Act 2011: Community right to challenge report