Britain’s social infrastructure is depleted and we need a blueprint for local success

I felt a tremendous sense if purpose when Theresa May named me Minister for Civil Society. After all, it was the Prime Minister who took office promising to tackle the “flaming grievances” that are a sad fact of life for so many in the UK – and my role was at the heart of her efforts to realize that ambition.

How do you define “civil society,” an undeniably vital but slightly nebulous concept? It refers to individuals and organizations that have the primary purpose of creating social benefit without state control. Social value is a rich life, and the ultimate goal – a fair society for all.

When we published our 2018 civil society strategy, it was clear that a more just society needed to be built on five foundations: people, places and social sector. section.

We found that the idle assets scheme, which has already made hundreds million of pounds available for charitable causes, was a relatively untapped chance to channel vital funding towards local community project, civil society organizations, and social enterprise. £135m has been earmarked for Big Society Capital to distribute to people who need it most, and a further £145m is for tackling youth employment and financial exclusion.

Although there have been some positive developments in the last four years, there are still significant gaps. Social capital has been lost in all the areas from Kent to Cornwall, Cumbria, and back. Social infrastructure is in disarray. It is time for a new focal point to improve communities through initiatives that have the potential to transform lives.

This focal point could be provided by expanding passive asset scheme returns. Earlier this year the government launched a consultation seeking opinions on community projects and other good causes which should benefit from a further £880m, untouched for 15 years or more, which will be made available in future years. I have listed eight criteria that a worthy recipient must meet. In every way, the establishment of the Community Wealth Fund is an important milestone.

It would direct the investment directly towards the communities most in need. Super-local funds will be distributed to the poorest neighborhoods and those with the least social infrastructure. The investment will be long-term in nature, patient capital. It will provide certainty and transparency to communities over years, not months or even years.

Even though the funding is relatively small in monetary terms it will have a profound impact on social capital, civic pride, and the overall society. There will be a domestic multiplier effect too, generating £3.2m of economic benefits for every £1m of investment.

The Community Wealth Fund will be a collaboration between local residents, the public and private sectors to rebuild vital civic institutions. It will restore pride in place and improve residents’ prospects.

The impact will not only be local, but also nationwide. Research has identified 225 prime investment areas in England. It was targeted and timed well.

Successive governments have been timid in their efforts at strengthening the foundations for civil society. In January, the Minister for Culture will announce her decision on the dormant Asset Plan. The Community Wealth Fund is an opportunity to establish a mechanism for long-term social change.

It is a mechanism that can rebuild our social fabric, which is in desperate need of repair. All that is required to make this happen is the political will.