Communities under threat as funding shortfalls leave shared spaces in decline

The effects are particularly pronounced in Birmingham, with FOI data from Birmingham City Council revealing a staggering 43 per cent drop in spending allocated to culture and related community services since 2022. This comes as local authority funding was slashed by £376 million after the city declared effective bankruptcy last year, and is in addition to further news that youth services support is facing huge cuts too.

The FOI data is supported with new research findings, which found that over a fifth of people in the UK noted a decline in community spaces over the past decade. The research of 2,000 respondents found that more than one in three say there are far too few community spaces in their area, while nearly three quarters say having a community space is important for their overall physical wellbeing. 

Locally, one in four Birmingham residents reported fewer community spaces in their area over the past decade when compared to other major cities. Additionally, 44 per cent of Birmingham residents feel that there are far too few community spaces locally, compared to the UK average of 35 per cent.

The study also highlights the importance of having shared spaces to combat social issues such as loneliness and community engagement. A significant four in five people say a community space is important for improving social connections with others, and 78 per cent say it contributes to a sense of belonging. Over half believe improving the community space in their area would make it more appealing.

Recognising the importance of vital community places - which offer social settings separate to the home and the workplace where people can connect with their community, Crown Paints has teamed up with interior designer and TV personality, Banjo Beale to launch ‘The Space Between’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the decline of shared spaces through action. 

Through the power of paint, Crown transforms spaces into vibrant communities that bring people together. This campaign marks the latest step in Crown’s ongoing commitment through its Project Possible initiative, projects across the UK.

As part of the campaign, Crown and Banjo worked with local volunteers from Property Services company, Bell Group to transform a local community centre in the West Midlands, Brockmoor Community Centre. Brockmoor had fallen into deep disrepair as the only local centre without funding, and the transformation has breathed new life into it to help it better serve the community and restore its role as a vital hub for connection. 

A spokesperson for Brockmoor Community Centre said: “It has been devastating to see Brockmoor’s decline over the years. When we it took over, we dreamed of creating a safe space for children and the wider community to come together – an inclusive place to belong, feel seen and to thrive.

“We know we are just one space out of many that is feeling the very real impacts of funding cuts. Across the country, vital community spaces are disappearing under the weight of financial pressures. These are more than just buildings, they are the heart of our communities. A commitment to properly funding spaces like ours is so critical before it’s too late.”

“How a space makes you feel – especially one meant to bring people together – is so important. However, lack of funding is making it increasingly more difficult for the centres that are running to maintain a welcoming and vibrant community space.” 

“Our work with Banjo has been deeply rewarding, reviving a once-thriving hub for the community, but that alone is not enough. Real – and lasting – change requires stronger action and commitment to long term funding to ensure these spaces receive the support they need to truly flourish.”