Fran Belbin argues that Sheffield and Yorkshire could help lead a major shift of decision-making power from Whitehall to local communities. The article presents this as an opportunity for residents to have greater influence over the services, places and priorities that affect their daily lives.

It links the case for local empowerment to wider devolution in Yorkshire, suggesting that stronger community involvement could improve accountability and make public decisions more responsive to local needs. The piece emphasises that transferring powers alone is insufficient unless communities have meaningful ways to participate and shape outcomes.