Policy spotlight 3: How investing in social capital builds cohesive communities

Local Trust’s Policy Spotlight series explores the evidence behind our belief that when communities have the power and resources to make their own decisions, they can drive lasting positive change.

This paper – the final in the series – examines the vital connection between social capital and stronger communities. It also provides a brief overview of the history of community cohesion policy in England.

We highlight three key areas that support the growth of social capital in neighbourhoods:

• Social infrastructure – the spaces, places and networks within communities facilitate cohesion.

• Collective efficacy – the shared belief that communities can work together to achieve change.

• Equitable access to opportunities – the foundation for people to meet their neighbours and peers on equal terms and develop stronger relationships and networks.

The report concludes with practical recommendations for policymakers and funders on how to strengthen social capital and community connectedness across England.

Read the accompanying blog by our policy and parliamentary officer, Natasha Meldrum.

For further reading on social capital, access our policy paper series produced with Demos and 3ni.