Two-thirds (65 per cent) of UK adults believe that public spending alone cannot solve social issues in their local area, according to new research from Big Society Capital.

Local solutions are seen as the answer, with most people surveyed, 58 per cent, saying that social issues including homelessness and community transport are better delivered by businesses and charities based in their community rather than national organisations.

In their local area, the social issues people are most concerned about are health and wellbeing (27 per cent); followed by homelessness (14 per cent); then employment, and financial inclusion (both 13 per cent).

These findings lend some support the Community Enterprise Growth Plan, which aims to help communities by growing local charities and social enterprises tackling social issues.

The Plan, which is backed by Big Society Capital plus social sector partners, hopes to attract a portion of the Government’s dormant assets scheme, which will distribute an estimated £880m in abandoned assets from insurance and pensions products, investment and wealth management over the next decade.

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