Everybody needs good neighbourhoods 2
This joint report by Local Trust, 3ni, Shared Intelligence, and OCSI, makes a case for sustained, resident-led investment in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods. It presents strong evidence that empowering residents to lead local change strengthens local economies, lowers child poverty and reduces crime.
The report, Everybody Needs Good Neighbourhoods 2, evaluates the impact of resident-led neighbourhood-based initiatives (NBIs), particularly the Big Local programme, on socio-economic and community safety outcomes in deprived areas. Using a robust counterfactual approach, the study compares areas with active resident-led projects to similar areas without such interventions, enabling an assessment of the initiatives’ added value. The report’s findings include:
- Neighbourhood initiatives help reduce child poverty, even amid worsening trends –areas with resident-led programmes saw a smaller increase in children living in low-income households compared to similar areas.
- Resident-led regeneration boosts local economies – Big Local areas saw a 41 per cent growth in local business and economic activities, more than the 22 per cent increase seen in benchmark areas.
- Neighbourhood desirability is improving – on average, property prices in Big Local areas increased by £10,000 more than in comparable neighbourhoods, and overall property values are now significantly higher. This not only reflects improved local liveability but also indicates a strengthening reputation of these communities as desirable places to live.
- Community-led efforts make communities safer – crime declined more sharply in Big Local areas -19.1 fewer crimes per 1,000 people – compared to a reduction of 10.5 in benchmark areas.
Overall, this report underscores the importance of building community capacity, social infrastructure and social networks, which are instrumental in sustaining long-term change.
