We’re a friendly lot but we have fewer prospects

Apr 22 2008 by Paul James, The Journal

FAMILIES in the North East see each other more often and have more trust in their neighbours than Londoners, a leading think-tank said yesterday.

Not only does the North East have strong social networks to turn to for help, experts at ippr north believe the region’s family ties and tight communities could help boost economic growth.

People in the North are far more likely to visit their families and speak to their neighbours than their counterparts in the South, according to the research. And those surveyed in the region are significantly more likely than the UK average to meet relatives at least once a week.

But while close relationships with neighbours is viewed positively, the report suggests that very strong family connections can suggest an inward-looking community with a lack of geographic mobility and lower economic prospects.

The report, which aims to compare “social capital” in the regions of the UK, is published by the Northern Rock Foundation and North East Social Capital Forum.

By looking at people’s personal relationships and social networks, it aims to measure the glue which keeps communities together.

The research found that Londoners were the least likely to have contact with their families, with only 35% visiting relatives weekly compared with a UK average of 49%. Just 42% of people living in the South East and 43% of those in the South West said the same. In contrast, the research found that 62% of those from the North East, 57% from the North West and 56% from Yorkshire and Humber visited family members every week.

The report also found that 80% of people in the North said they spoke to their neighbours regularly, compared with 63% of Londoners.

Its author at ippr north, research fellow Katie Schmuecker, said: “There is a particularly interesting contrast between the North East and the Greater South East – especially London.

“North Easterners are much more likely to see their relatives regularly and speak to their neighbours frequently, providing a social support network that can be drawn upon in times of need.

“Strong social support networks are an asset to the North East region, and as efforts to develop the region’s economy continue, it is important that steps are taken to preserve the positive aspects of the region’s strong communities, while also increasing the opportunities open to people.”

George Hepburn OBE, convener of the North East Social Capital Forum, said: “The research confirms that the North East has strong supportive communities and we look after our own.

“But it is not all good news, as these strong networks could be a sign of inward-looking communities and a lack of geographic mobility.

“The report challenges us to find ways in which we could be better connected nationally and internationally and to maximise opportunities for local people to look outwards and play their part in the wider world.”

The report, compiled by ippr north, analysed data from the General Household Survey 2004/05, which had a total national sample size of 8,700.

Love thy neighbour

People in neighbourhoods who help others

North East 34%

London 23%

Great Britain 31%

Most other people in the neighbourhood can be trusted

North East 47%

London 28%

Great Britain 48%

Meet up with relatives at least once a week

North East 62%

London 35%

Great Britain 49%

Speak to neighbours regularly

North East 80%

London 63%

Great Britain 74%

Unpaid help given to people outside the household in the past month

North East 47%

London 39%

Great Britain 47%