Laura Sharman 12 January 2021

New proposals to fix Britain's 'fraying social fabric'

New proposals to fix Britains fraying social fabric image

Every local area should be represented by a parish or town council in order to rebuild ‘fraying’ communities after the pandemic, a think tank has argued today.

A new report by Onward sets out a series of policies aimed at rekindling a sense of belonging after lockdown ends.

The proposals include the widespread introduction of town and parish councils, and giving communities the right to establish a community land trust to provide affordable homes for local people.

It also suggests a civic service scheme to give unemployed young people a paid placement with local charities or social businesses.

Will Tanner, director of Onward, said: 'Everyone focuses on the impact of lockdown on the economy but the truth is that the pandemic has taken a terrible toll on the social fabric of our lives, compounding the long-term decline of community over recent decades.

'As we emerge – finally – from the pandemic, we need to not just revive a flatlining economy, we need to take steps to empower and recapitalise communities, to give people back a sense of belonging and rekindle the social networks and institutions upon which we all rely.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Accountant

Durham County Council
£47,181 to £51,356 p.a. (Grade 13)
Durham County Council is the largest council in the North East, we have a budget of around £1.3 billion which helps us provide services to more than 5 Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Mechanical Foreman

Durham County Council
£35,412 to £39,152 p.a. (Grade 9)
A vacancy has arisen within Building and Facilities Management for a Mechanical Foreman working full time 37 hours.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?    Within a co Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Occupational Health Physiotherapist

Durham County Council
£40,777 to £45,091 p.a. (Grade 11)
An exciting opportunity has arisen with Durham County Council to join our well established ‘in house’ Occupational Health Service in making a positiv Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Apprentice - Housing Management

Durham County Council
£14,566 per annum / £7.55 per hour (NMW in Second Year)
Earn. Learn. Qualify. Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, devel Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,383 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner