The current state of communities of place in Scotland, why they matter, and what is needed to strengthen them.
This paper makes the case, even in an increasingly digital world, for strengthening communities place. They matter for our well-being, our resilience, democracy and the economy. That sense of belonging that every society needs.
We set out the real challenges facing communities of place across Scotland. From funding and inequalities to exploitation by the far-right, these communities are under threat as never before. The local economy is struggling, public services are being centralised and degraded, and communities are left without an effective voice.
Finally, we propose a new approach that recognises the value of communities of place and the practical measures needed to rebuild them. These include recognising the value of social infrastructure and public services, devolving power, and building the local economy through Community Wealth Building. We also need to better understand the practical measures that help build stronger communities, including neighbourhood design, high-quality public spaces, local events, and improved information sharing. Most importantly, we need to provide greater opportunities for residents to influence decisions affecting their neighbourhoods and to encourage engagement.