Over the last few years, 225 neighbourhoods identified as ‘left behind’ have seen their social infrastructure decline disproportionately compared to the rest of the country.
This report highlights that not only are ‘left behind’ neighbourhoods economically deprived (as measured by the Index of Multiple Deprivation) but they also have low levels of social infrastructure, identified as a combination of community assets, civic engagement and connectivity (both physical and digital). It posits that long-term, neighbourhood level investment is essential to ensure that lasting, sustainable change is delivered in these areas.