Those who live in 225 “left behind” neighbourhoods in England receive less than half the charitable grant funding than other deprived places, according to new research.
New analysis conducted by Oxford Consultants for Social Inclusion (OCSI) for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for ‘left behind’ neighbourhoods, was published this morning. MPs warn that these areas need targeted investment at the hyper-local level directly to develop social infrastructure.
Neighbourhoods are classified as “left behind” when they fall within the most deprived 10% of areas on the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and also lack social infrastructure, such as community centres. These areas are predominantly located near the coast and and on the outskirts of post-industrial towns and cities in the North and Midlands.
Paul Howell, MP for Sedgefield and Conservative co-chair of the APPG, said: “The government has created a number of new funds aimed at levelling up to support those areas of the country that most need investment, but unfortunately these 225 neighbourhoods are set to lose out once again if they do not receive targeted funds to help build the skills and capacity of the people living there to come together and apply for funding.”
Less charitable funding
Analysis of 360 Giving's Grant Nav data for 2004 to 2021 “left behind” neighbourhoods received less funding per head from main charitable grant funders than other deprived areas.
“Left behind” neighbourhoods received on average £7.77 in national charitable grant funding per head. The average across England as a whole is £12.23, while for other deprived areas it is £19.31.
The research found organisations in “left behind” neighbourhoods also received approximately half the number of Covid-19 specific grants from charitable foundations since the start of the pandemic.
They were also less than half as likely to have a registered charity in their local area than the England average, and more than 70% of the 225 areas had less dedicated community space than the England average.
Diana Johnson, MP for Hull North and Labour co-chair of the APPG, said: “Community spaces like the ones these neighbourhoods so desperately lack help to foster local relationships, build social capital and create a sense of place.
“This research demonstrates how important they are as an organising space for communities, enabling local people to come together to make plans to meet the needs of their neighbourhood. It is clear from this research that without these kinds of spaces, ‘left behind’ neighbourhoods will continue to miss out on their fair share of funding.”
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