Briefing 10: Rapid research COVID-19

How have relationships between communities and local authorities played out during the pandemic?

This research draws on interviews with five local authorities thought to have worked well with communities during the pandemic to answer this question. It draws attention to a complex and interlinked response to the crisis from communities and local councils, founded upon a consistent and collaborative approach to working closely with communities, experience of earlier crises, and a fine balance struck between leading and enabling community action.

The briefing illustrates the effectiveness of a trust-based relational approach to community engagement but notes that the push for greater community power can both ebb and flow.