The new empowerment White Paper, "Communities in Control: Real people, Real Power," was published in July. This article sets the White Paper in the context of the Government's rapidly developing empowerment agenda for England, reviews its key themes, and examines the views of its critics. In particular, the author examines critically what kind of empowerment is being promoted and supported, and what opportunities it affords for a community-based adult learning that is more liberating than domesticating.