UK Towns with 'Torn Social Fabric' Linked to Summer Riots: New Report
Study Unveils Economic Deprivation and Social Challenges in Riot-Affected Areas
A report by Power to Change reveals that most UK towns impacted by riots last summer suffer from economic deprivation and a 'torn social fabric'.
Using a 'social fabric index' from the Onward think tank, the study found that 23 out of 27 affected areas had a social fabric score below the median.
The index assesses factors like employment, volunteering, education levels, government trust, and local infrastructure.
Notably, Hull and Middlesbrough scored the lowest, with riots resulting in property damage and police injuries.
The report urges long-term community investment, suggesting a £1.5m funding per area over 10 years to rebuild social ties, increase public spaces, and prevent future disorder.
It also recommends expanding community ownership funds to support local projects like Manchester's Stretford Public Hall.
Power to Change calls for a strategy combining cohesion, empowerment, and community-led growth, with additional measures to boost community interaction and English language proficiency.
Using a 'social fabric index' from the Onward think tank, the study found that 23 out of 27 affected areas had a social fabric score below the median.
The index assesses factors like employment, volunteering, education levels, government trust, and local infrastructure.
Notably, Hull and Middlesbrough scored the lowest, with riots resulting in property damage and police injuries.
The report urges long-term community investment, suggesting a £1.5m funding per area over 10 years to rebuild social ties, increase public spaces, and prevent future disorder.
It also recommends expanding community ownership funds to support local projects like Manchester's Stretford Public Hall.
Power to Change calls for a strategy combining cohesion, empowerment, and community-led growth, with additional measures to boost community interaction and English language proficiency.
