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It was almost four years ago that the Localism Act was introduced with the claim that it would set communities and local authorities free.

But there was a long way to go as Britain remains one of the most centralised countries in the western world. from the likes of Eric Pickles, Lord Heseltine and Chancellor George Osborne on devolution, particularly for the English regions, this remains the case.

In Birmingham, by far the largest local authority in Britain, there has also been similar positive noises about devolution from the Labour administration in recent years. The reality here too is that there has been little genuine movement of power, central contracts and strict funding conditions gave the devolved districts no room for manoeuvre on most issues.

Indeed, the Localism Act did not go as far as many hoped – those hoping to defend their rural idylls from new housing found little comfort from planning policies which started with the view that development is good and should be actively encouraged.

Within these limitations two grass roots movements in Birmingham, encouraged by the act, are beginning to bear fruit and could be the start of something wider. In Sutton Coldfield the the largest of its kind in the country, with the ability to raise its own funding via a council tax precept and outside funds.

While critics can say that this town council (an urban version of a parish council) will basically look after hanging baskets, litter picking and park benches, its supporters say that it will have considerable influence with its views on development, transport and other weightier issues.

A similar grass roots movement in Balsall Heath will, after an admittedly long lead up, see residents . It is one of the first urban areas in Britain to have its own plan.

The Balsall Heath Forum and their architect Joe Holyoak went door to door to seek views from as many of the district’s 15,000 residents as possible before drawing up the plan. The result is clear guidance for policy makers and potential investors on how their parks, shopping centres, historic buildings and streets should evolve over the next few years.