UK towns that saw rioting last summer have ‘torn social fabric’, report claims
A majority of towns that saw rioting last summer have a “torn social fabric” and have been bearing the brunt of economic deprivation, according to a new report.The report was published by the charitable trust Power to Change, using a “social fabric index” produced by the Onward thinktank which looks at the changing nature of community in different parts of the UK.It found that 23 of the 27 places that experienced disorder last summer have a social fabric score that was far below the median.Some of the areas where violence broke out, such as Hull, where windows of a hotel that was used to house migrants were smashed and three police officers were injured, and Middlesbrough, where a 1,000-strong riot saw police attacked, as well as homes, cars and public buildings vandalised, had the lowest social fabric score in the UK.The Social Fabric Index, which has been produced by Onward every year since 2020, looks at an area’s economic value, such as employment rates; relationships, such as rates of volunteering; positive norms, such as the levels of education in the area; civic infrastructure, such as trust in government; and physical infrastructure, looking at data on local assets and green spaces.
The new report analysed the data from the index against the 27 areas that had experienced violent disorder and found the overwhelming majority of areas that experienced riots had a median social fabric index below 0.5.Only Southport, London (Westminster) and Bristol had a score at the median or slightly above.The Power to Change report used the findings to develop 10 recommendations that call for an investment in cohesion so people have places to meet, empowering communities so they feel more control over their lives, and supporting community-led growth that can be seen and felt across the country.Sign up to Headlines UKGet the day’s headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morningafter newsletter promotionJosh Westerling, the policy manager at Power to Change and the report’s lead author, welcomed the focus on community cohesion after the rioting, but said: “Communities policy must move from crisis response to a consistent strategy.
”The report calls for the implementation of the community wealth fund, plans for which were abandoned due to the elections, and to bring forward flexible funding pots of about £1.5m a place over 10 years.It hopes this funding can help reverse the loss of spaces and places where people can meet others and interact.On average 6,000 council-owned assets had closed in 2010, according to the report, while green space provision had declined by a third when compared with the early 20th-century scenario.The report also noted the closure of 50 pubs a month in the first half of 2024.
The report also calls for the expansion of community ownership funds to £1bn over 10 years.The funds have supported over 330 community ownership projects across the UK so far, such as Stretford Public Hall, Manchester, which was bought by 800 local people and organisations after the council announced it was putting it up for sale.The hall now offers a programme of services and activities.Westerling said: “Government should stop thinking of cohesion in isolation, and recognise it as the bedrock for empowerment and economic opportunity in places.That is why Power to Change are calling for a long-term, three-stage strategy that ties together cohesion, community empowerment, and community-led growth.
”Other recommendations include introducing community-based initiatives to increase contact between different groups of people, work towards universal fluency in English by 2030 by supporting delivery of ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) classes, introduce a community right to buy, and establish a community growth network.
Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek sells merch to pay for cancer treatment
The Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek announced he is selling memorabilia to help cover the “expensive” treatment costs for his recent colorectal cancer diagnosis.Van Der Beek, also known for the film Varsity Blues, made the announcement on Instagram last week, nearly three weeks after revealing his illness in an interview with People.The Connecticut actor shared photos on Instagram wearing a Varsity Blues jersey while holding a football, introducing newly released merch to raise funds.“100% of my net proceeds will go to families recovering from the financial burden of cancer (including my own 😇),” he wrote on Instagram.The signed jerseys feature the name of his character, quarterback Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, from the 1999 film
Wedgwood Collection still revealing new treasures a decade after it was saved for the nation
It is one of the most important industrial collections in the world, with more than 175,000 artworks, ceramics and photographs, spanning two centuries of history.The Wedgwood Collection was acquired for the nation by the charity Art Fund and gifted to the Victoria and Albert Museum 10 years ago today, and researchers are still uncovering new treasures within it, from china with royal connections to family keepsakes. The fundraising drive to buy the archive is still the most successful ever held by Art Fund.Josiah Wedgwood founded a ceramics company in 1759, which would become one of the largest and most famous manufacturers of Staffordshire pottery. Designs, objects and manuscripts collected by the Wedgwood family cover “history from the Industrial Revolution to today”, Catrin Jones, chief curator of the V&A Wedgwood Collection, said
‘I’m a mixed Black female historical re-enactor in a sea of men with beards’
Not everyone would want to spend their weekends dressed in a tunic fighting medieval battles, but my love of re-enacting is rooted in keeping history aliveIt is the summer of 1265. I am bottling leeches in an open-air apothecary as a medical apprentice of the church. Minstrels tune their musical instruments and soldiers sharpen their swords. Gloucester has just been captured by Prince Edward, and royal forces are growing in the west of England. The men come to me for yarrow to staunch their bleeding, comfrey to heal their injuries, and sulphur to soothe their sores
‘You’re a slut!’: Judi Dench reveals parrot’s pet name for her
She has been hailed as a national treasure, the queen of stage and screen, with a damehood to match. But Dame Judi Dench has revealed that her pet parrot has a rather less polite name for her: “Slut.”The Academy Award-winning actor, who turns 90 next week, said everyone should have a bird like her rescue African grey parrot, Sweetie, despite their indecorous language.“We had a long chat just now. You shouldn’t ask what she says
Blur bassist Alex James: ‘I’m so happy for Oasis. Liam is an incredible singer, and he can’t help being a rock star’
The musician on struggling to fit into his Britpop pants, his ambition to make giant Frazzle, and the football song that keeps him fedBassist Alex James, along with Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon and Dave Rowntree, formed Blur in 1988. In 2023, Blur brought out their ninth studio album, The Ballad of Darren, and played two sold-out nights at Wembley Stadium. Alex started making cheese in 2003, and hosts an annual food and music event, the Big Feastival, on his farm in the Cotswolds. He is married to Claire Neate and has five children – Geronimo, twins Artemis and Gallileo, Sable and Beatrix. His book, Over the Rainbow, is his account of Blur’s reformation and tour in 2023
16th-century graffiti of Tower of London prisoners decoded for first time
The writing was on the wall for many of the prisoners incarcerated in the Tower of London over the centuries. Now, it can finally be deciphered.Hundreds of graffiti texts scratched into the historic stone walls by prisoners as they awaited their fate have come to light for the first time. Examples that were either overlooked or illegible are emerging through cutting-edge technology.Dr Jamie Ingram, who is heading a major project to study graffiti in the Tower of London, described the discoveries as “exciting”
UK towns that saw rioting last summer have ‘torn social fabric’, report claims
Over-60s who live apart from partners have better wellbeing, study finds
Radical planning reform needed to hit 1.5m housebuilding target in England, Labour warned
Counselling charity Relate goes into administration
Whistleblowing reform must include GPs | Letters
NHS bosses reportedly worried about Starmer’s pledge to cut waiting lists