Communities facing the sharp ends of cuts can be protected from some of the worst impacts by strong local networks of ordinary people. However, local and central government need to invest in helping to turn 'strangers into neighbours'.
The RSA has published "Plugging the Gap - Turning Strangers into Neighbours" a report written by Social Life's Nicola Bacon, which argues that policy makers, politicians and practitioners are struggling to think creatively about new cheaper approaches towards improving lives and life chances of people living in places under the greatest stress.
The report argues that with no new money for large scale regeneration projects, there is a pressing need to develop low-cost ways to support those people living in places most affected by the collapse of local economies.
Download the full report here.