COUNCILS HAVE A KEY ROLE IN CREATING STRONG LOCAL COMMUNITIES

7 March 2006

A new report by independent think tank ippr (Institute of Public Policy Research) and inner London borough, Camden Council, highlights local authorities’ unique position in building social capital, such as community spirit and trust.

The two organisations’ contribution to the growing debate on social capital comes in a joint report Sticking Together: Social capital and local government launched at a breakfast debate at the ippr’s headquarters in central London today. The report, which includes a foreword by David Miliband MP, highlights the role that all local authorities can play in developing community networks and relationships between neighbours and communities.

Sticking together: Social capital and local government argues that by building social capital, councils can bring substantial benefits to residents. High levels of social capital are associated with improved physical and mental health, better levels of education and reduced crime and anti-social behaviour. The report is based around leading-edge research carried out by Camden Council over the last three years - the first council to measure social capital in its neighbourhoods.

Cllr Raj Chada, Camden Council’s Leader, said: “You may ask why building social capital is so important to Camden Council. Social capital has been called the glue that holds communities together. It’s not just what people think about where they live, it’s their support networks, it’s community spirit, it’s the trust people have in organisations like their council or local police force. It’s something that events like July 7th have brought into sharp focus. Without social cohesion, society will not work.”

“Camden has one of the most diverse communities in the country - with over 114 languages spoken in our schools alone. Our population is constantly changing and growing. To ensure Camden maintains its vibrant heart it is important that the council takes a lead to build new and stronger links within the borough.“

Ben Rogers, ippr Associate Director and contributor to the report, said: "This research is an important contribution to the debate about social capital. It highlights the role that local government should play in building civic life and stronger communities. It sets out key challenges for local authorities in promoting public participation, tackling inequalities and building a strong civil society".

An inner London authority, Camden Council faces many challenges, yet the surveys the report is based on show that Camden residents trust one another more than the national average. The research also supports the approach of existing projects such as Camden’s Families in Focus scheme. This community-based project helps to strengthen communities by working with, and supporting, families to improve their problem-solving skills and self-confidence.

The report includes contributions from academics and researchers such as Ted Cantle of the IdeA (Improvement and Development Agency), who discusses the relationship between cultural diversity and social capital and Professor Sir Michael Marmot, of University College London’s International Institute of Society and Health, who looks at how building social capital can improve health.

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