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Local Government Association

February 2021

Has COVID-19 changed the way communities behave?

2BritainThinks

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Today’s findings draw from two sources of primary research:

4BritainThinks


COVID-19 Public Opinion

Research on behalf of the

LGA

Understanding attitudes and

behaviour in November 2020

BritainThinks’ Coronavirus

Diaries

Understanding attitudes and

behaviours in February 2021

5BritainThinks

01How were the public feeling about their

communities in November 2020?

Based on research commissioned by the LGA

Background and objectives

• The Local Government Association (LGA) is supporting local authorities in their response to

the Covid-19 pandemic.

• To inform this work, the LGA commissioned BritainThinks to conduct qualitative research to

understand public opinion and behaviour and the extent to which this has changed as a

result of the pandemic.

• More specifically, the research had 2 core objectives:

• Understand the extent to which public attitudes and behaviours have changed as a result of Covid-

19

• Understand how the public defines ‘local’ following the experiences of Covid-19, including any

changes in attitude toward civic participation.

6BritainThinks | Private and Confidential


We spoke to 50 people living in six locations across England and

Wales


* NB. Fieldwork coincided with the ‘firebreak’ lockdown in Wales and announcement of tougher national restrictions in England.


1-week long pre-task

completed online or on

paper

2 hour follow-up focus

group or 1 hour telephone

interviewNewcastle

London

Bournemouth

Colne

Denbigh

Sutton

Coldfield

• This stage of the research

explored participants’ initial

views of their local area,

experiences of the pandemic,

priorities for change and views

on civic participation.

• Fieldwork was conducted

between the 2nd and 9th of

October 2020.

• This stage explored views and

behaviours reported in the

pre-task in greater detail and

probed to understand

participants’ considered views

on civic participation.

• Fieldwork was conducted

between the 26th October and

5th of November 2020*.

Key findings



Perceptions of local areas and feelings of belonging were driven by long-standing factors. For most, those

remained unchanged by the pandemic which had instead typically reinforced existing views.

The behaviours that had most universally changed as a result of the pandemic were those directly connected to

Government restrictions. A strong desire to ‘get back to normal’ meant that many did not want these behaviours to

‘stick’ in the future and the idea of the pandemic as an opportunity to do things differently was therefore not intuitive.

Beyond this, behaviour change in the local area – in relation to leisure time, shopping, travel and civic participation

– was highly varied, many felt that life hadn’t changed much at all. Those who had seen more change were more

open to sticking with them in the future, particularly where they were motivated to do so.

Many felt engaging in civic participation was out of reach because a lack of knowledge or lack of trust that it will

effect genuine change. There was interest in hearing more, particularly in relation to how citizens can a) have a say

in consultations, and b) participate online to overcome some of the barriers to getting involved.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Perceptions of local areas



Best things about local areas: Worst things about local areas:

Perceptions of local areas and feelings of belonging were typically

driven by long-standing factors



A photo from a participant showing local walks

and natural spaces as the best thing in their

area.

• Include the people; the green and

natural spaces; the access to

amenities; and the diversity and

vibrancy.

• Include anti-social behaviour and

crime; traffic and potholes; a sense of

decline; and a lack of community feel.

A photo from a participant demonstrates empty

shops as the worst thing in their local area

Sense of belonging:

• Was commonly linked to

close proximity to friends

and family, or detailed

knowledge of the area.

“In terms of a sense of

community, I don't feel any

attachment, but in terms of

my personal history, it’s

where I grew up, so I feel

tethered in that regard.”

(18-39 with no children,

Rural)

Despite an initial increase in community spirit during the first

national lockdown, participants’ feelings towards their local areas

appeared to have remained largely unchanged



“There’s more loneliness; more litter from facemasks;

(still) a lack of decent local shops; lots of pollution

from traffic… people are just busy with own lives.”

(With children 11-18, Urban)

“(I know) I’ve got good neighbors now. If anything

needs to be done, they’ll ask. I felt this way before the

pandemic, (it’s) stayed the same really.”

(With children under 11, Rural)

Widespread appreciation for additional

community spirit had not translated

substantively into a greater sense of

belonging.

For those who felt more negative to their

local area prior to the pandemic, they saw

long-standing issues remain.

Behaviour change as a result of COVID-19



The pandemic has impacted all. However, the changes experienced

had been far from universal



“Things haven’t changed that much, work is

work. Gardened during furlough. Other than

that, not changed too much. I miss going to the

pub to see my mates, and can’t go out for

meals as much, but quite happy at the

moment.”

(With children under 11, Rural)

“Before lockdown I have never worked from

home before… getting used to this took some

doing, but now I find it second nature. I don't

miss the daily commute, or the money spent on

travelling expenses either”


Some participants reported experiencing big

changes to the way they live, work and travel.

Others described experiencing relatively little

change to their lives as a result of the

pandemic, except for reduced social contact

with family and friends.

While some behavioural changes as a result of the pandemic were

more wide-reaching, others varied across our sample



Restrictions on social contact:

being unable to freely socialise was

the most salient change for many. All

participants, particularly those who

lived alone, were finding this difficult

to adapt to.

Hygiene and mask wearing: Many

reported difficulties adjusting to the

mental load of having to remember to

enact these behaviours.

Increased time: leading to spending more time with family; leisure

activities (e.g. cooking and reading); exploring the local area.

Travel: behaviours have fluctuated including: a reduction in travel

and driving at the start of the pandemic and, more recently, a move

away from public transport toward private transport.

Shopping: increase in online shopping; increase in shopping with

local businesses; moving away from larger, busier supermarkets.

Community spirit: greater familiarity with neighbours; greater

awareness of and contribution to local causes.

Personal changes experienced by all Wider changes experienced by some, but not all, participants

The behaviours that had changed the most were those that have been mandated by the Government and are

specific to the pandemic; rather than those that people have been driven by people’s own motivations or ‘nudged’

into due to the changing context of the pandemic.

When looking to the future, participants spontaneously voiced a

desire to ‘return to normal’ – especially social contact with loved ones



Inherent in this desire to return to normal – participants expected their behaviour to ‘return to

normal’ too. As the most top of mind changed behaviours were those which have been ‘forced’ on

them and are specific to the pandemic. Prioritising a ’return to normal’ meant the pandemic as a

time for change is not intuitive.

“I want coronavirus to go away so

people can feel comfortable with

life again. Normality would be

happiness. I would see my

grandkids again.”

(Vulnerable, Urban)

“I miss crowds at football matches

and the atmosphere, and festivals.”

(Children under 11, Rural)

“A sense of freedom. Not having to

go to Google every time you want

to do something and see if you’re

breaking rules….just feeling like I

haven’t got a leash around my

neck anymore.’”

(18-39 with no children, Urban)

Socialising in personResuming leisure activities

and travel

Stop feeling there is a set of

(changing) rules to follow

Beyond initial priorities for returning to ‘normal’, some new

behaviours were viewed more positively and potentially likely to

continue



Community spiritTimeShopping Travel

For most, the sense of

feeling connected was

starting to ebb as the

pandemic wore on and

was unlikely to lead to

substantial changes. A

minority wanted to

prioritise changes in this

area in the future.

Changes in shopping

behaviour are likely to

persist, due to the

motivation of

‘convenience’ for online

shopping and the shift in

attitude driving the

support of local

businesses.

For some, more time was

one of the few positive

changes – the appetite is

there for this to continue

but it is expected to be

hard as ‘normal’ life and

schedules resume,

limiting opportunity to do

so.

Change in travel

behaviour was often a

result of restrictions –

most held little motivation

to see it continue. The

move away from public

transport is likely to

continue whilst safety

remains a concern.

More

likely to

continue

Less

likely to

continue

Creating change and civic participation



Spontaneously, key things participants wanted to improve about

their local area were often unrelated to the coronavirus pandemic

• Priorities for change typically focus on the long-standing issues participants identify in their

local area, which they typically see as having remained unchanged by the pandemic:



Traffic and potholes Anti-social behaviour A sense of decline Lack of community feel

“[There’s] lots of

pollution, traffic; there

was a child killed by

‘boy racers’ [even]

during lockdown”

(With children 11-18,

Urban)

I’ve had some bother

with [youths] coming

onto my property –

acting stupid. I’m 65,

not in fantastic health

so I wasn’t going to

chase them…”

(Vulnerable, Urban)

“(We) really need to

improve maintenance

of buildings (and the)

town centers – it’s

become run down, it’s

like the council don’t

care anymore”

(40+ with no children,

Rural)

“There isn't as much of

a community as there

should be. The posh

people tend to mix with

people outside the area.

The younger upwardly

mobile population are

interested but don’t

really participate.”

(18-39 with no children,

Urban)

However, most participants felt they had relatively limited scope to

make change in their local area

• Most are unsure about what civic

participation is or how to create change in

their local areas themselves.

• Therefore, most have not participated in

any change locally, beyond small, individual

actions, e.g. choosing to shop locally.

• A small minority had engaged with more

formal routes to participation, e.g. signing

petitions. This participation was often driven

by personal motivations, e.g. to object to

building work which would affect their

property.



”If it’s something you feel strongly about, the only

way you can do it is by doing a petition. Seen lots

of people around here that if they want something

done, they write to the council or even the

government. That’s the best way to do it.”


”Personally, keep doing what I’m doing. Keep

buying locally and support small businesses. I do

already do this as I have lived here all my life.”

(40+ with no children, Urban)

Lack of information and time were the most common reasons cited

as preventing participation



Implication for encouraging participation: Highlighting the impact of change from individual

contributions and demonstrating the range of ways to get involved will be important.

“The will is there, it’s knowing what actually needs to

be done, what can be done to contribute to it.”

(18-39 with no children, Rural)

“I think we could all play our part, but it’s having the

time do to it. Everyone has their own stressful world

to live in, so as much as we say we would love to do

our bit, it’s not always that easy.”

(Vulnerable, Urban)

Lack of information about how to participate

was the most common barrier, often

underpinned by an assumption that you

cannot enact change alone

An assumed need for a regular commitment,

meant many felt they lack the time to

participate

We shared a presentation with participants introducing high-level

information on civic participation:



• The presentation covered several key areas about

the role of councils, councillors, and consultations:

o What are councils for?

o Who are the local councillors?

o How do councillors represent me?

o How can I get involved?

• Three case studies were used to highlight how

these things can work in practice:

o Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in Hackney

o Saving Darlington Library

o Friends of Alexandra Park, Manchester

On balance, participants responded positively to this information

and going forwards called for more information and simple

opportunities to participate



• The information raised awareness of ways of participating and

made achieving change feel like more of a possibility

• As a result, many participants felt councils should do more to inform

them about consultations and how they can get involved locally.

• Participating online was viewed as a simple and easy way to

participate in change:

• There is a desire for websites or other online tools where

individuals can find out about ongoing consultations and issues

in their area.

• However, some highlighted the difficulties this could pose to

elderly or disadvantaged individuals without online access.

”It sounds good, like something I

would look into [..] It makes it sound

like other towns are doing it, so it’s

possible to do. It plants a seed in

your head to think: I could do that.”

(Vulnerable, Urban)

”It’s up to the council to make us

aware of how we can affect

decisions, if we’re asked we’re

obliged to respond. If you’re

engaged, it’s a lot more natural to

engage back. I think the onus is on

the council to engage with us a lot

more.”

(18-39 with no children, Rural)


02How is the public feeling now we’re in

2021?

Based on BritainThinks’ Coronavirus Diaries

We have been following this crisis as it plays out in people’s lives

since April 2020

24BritainThinks


50 people From across the UK Weekly diary

This research combines insights from focus groups, polling and

speaking to our original Diarists

25BritainThinks

Online focus

groups

12th-13th, 26-27th

January

Polling

27th-28th January

Weekly diary

22nd-25th January

Northern England

Red Wall

London

Home

Counties

From across England


26BritainThinks

“This whole thing is just an eye roll.

I’d say probably since

September/October, it took full force

of what’s the bloody point. Just as

the lockdowns would come in and

they introduce a new rule.”

(North of England, 34)

“I’m just a big ball of anxiety and I

can’t get much of a break from it. It

feels like my mind is constantly on. I

somewhat naively pinned my hopes

on the vaccine curing everything

and it going back to normal and

that’s not going to happen so it’s

how unknown the future is.”

(London, 29)

“Everything’s complex,

there’s lots of propaganda

and misinformation around

so you just have to use

common sense and make

the right move that you feel

is morally right for you.”

(Red Wall, 62)

“Everything is hazy, it’s like ‘oh

it’s breaking through’ but it’s not

gonna happen yet. Or ‘we’re

nearly there but not quite yet’.

Not sure what’s gonna happen.

The future looks brighter if kids

can get back to school.”

(Essex, 38)


The pandemic in images: we asked participants what image sums

up their current experience of lockdown

27BritainThinks

w/c 6th Julyw/c 9th April w/c 7th Dec

3 words used by Diarists to describe how they feel:

w/c 1st Feb


The mood of our Diarists has evolved from fear and anxiety through

to hopeful relief, and to the current state of despondency

28BritainThinks

BritainThinks polling January 27th-28th Q1. Here are some statements that people have made recently about life under the pandemic in the UK. To what extent do you agree with these statements? Base: all, n=2088


56%

Agree that they

feel more

personally

threatened by

coronavirus now

more than ever

Homeschooling

100,000 death toll

New variants

January blues

Financial & economic difficulties

Continued lockdown Silver linings

The mood is more despondent in 2021, with pragmatic optimism

currently being weighed down by inescapable negatives

29BritainThinks



71%

Disagree that we

will be able to

open up life as

normal by spring

this year

April 2020 December 2020 February 2021

“This will be over

in a few weeks”

“The news about the

coronavirus crisis this

week has been getting

more and more

negative, and it seems

likely this will continue

for the coming weeks.”

(Under 25)

“Life will go back

to normal in 2021”

“I am really hopeful

that the vaccine will

make a difference by

next spring.”

(Active older person,

65+)

“Just treading

water ’til it’s over”

“I can’t see an end to it

and it feels like it’s

lasted so long so I’m

just going with it. If you

think too much then

you’re only going to be

disappointed.”

(Parent with school

aged children)

Now people just want to cope day-to-day and wait for burdens to be

relieved, rather than hoping for the end

The vaccine is accepted as the only way out of the current crisis,

although some hesitancy remains

30BritainThinks



62%

Agree that Britain’s

vaccination

programme is better

than that in most

other countries

The DAs agree less (42% in Scotland,

55% in Wales, 39% in Northern Ireland)

Scepticism is driven by

a “consumer” mindset

Acceptance is driven by

a “citizen” mindset

“I wouldn't volunteer to have it

done and I wouldn’t want to

unless they made you. We’re

not too worried if we get

Covid ourselves because

we’re quite young and I’m not

sure of the vaccine and it’s

hard to trust the government

at the moment.”

(London, 22)

“I guess I just need to toughen

up and accept it and get it

done. It seems a bit selfish,

but I’m sort of pleased that

there’s been plenty of other

people as guinea pigs before

me. It’ll be worth it won’t it,

for the whole country. I

probably will [get vaccinated].”


As we found last year, most want life to go back to normal, though

expect some habits to stick

31BritainThinks


62%

Agree that they

would like the world

to return to exactly

how it was before

the coronavirus

pandemic

The North West of England is

more likely to agree (71%, vs

53% of the East Midlands)

Expected to stay:

Mask wearing

Outdoor leisure time

Home working Social distancing

Increased hygiene Regular testing and vaccinating


There is an appetite to “build back better” across key areas of

British society

32BritainThinks

Mental

health

Unemploy-

ment

Social

equalityClimateNHS Education

“The NHS workers

should get pay rises.

They need a big boost

as they’ve risked their

lives”. (Essex, 45)

“I think you have to

have good mental

health to have a

healthy community.”


“In the next 10 years

climate change can be

a bigger problem than

the pandemic.”

(London, 23)

“The first thing that

springs to mind is

education and what

that looks like for the

next generation of

children.” (Essex, 38)

“There will be a high

level of unemployment

so how do we get

people back to work.”

(Essex, 38)

“I think I’d want to see

a more equal society

coming out of this.”

(London, 29)


In a way that acknowledges the value of key workers in society and

regions beyond London

33BritainThinks


83%

Agree that the

pandemic has taught

us that those who

work in essential

services should be

paid more and

treated better

89%

Agree that it’ll be

important that post

Covid economic

recovery is spread

evenly across Britain

and is not just focused

on London

Older generations are more likely to agree

(96% of 65+ vs 75% of 18-24 year olds)

“I think overall, appreciating

the key workers has been

really good. Delivery drivers

and people who work at

supermarkets. And teachers

who aren’t paid loads for what

they do. The appreciation

they’ve got for this and

knowing they are important

for society is good.”

(London, 22)


But there are significant doubts as to whether the UK can really

change for the better

34BritainThinks


37% 38%24%

“I think this crisis will change the

country for the better in the long term”

“[My hope for 2021 is]

that the world will

understand that this

was a wake up call

and that we need to

think about all

humanity and rebuild

the world with more

compassion, equality

and fairness.” (North

West, 48)

“The Tories will use the

vast amounts spent on

furlough etc. for

another round of

austerity, privatising

everything and selling

it off to their Serco

mates for peanuts.”

(Yorkshire and the

Humber, 28)


People are looking forward to mid-term beacons of hope instead of waiting for the end – as

this feels more achievable and tangible, with less chance for disappointment

Schools re-opening is the most anticipated milestone for parents who are struggling to juggle

home-schooling with work

The vaccine roll-out is progressing more quickly than anticipated, and therefore brings much

needed hope, along with spring’s warmer days

A significant minority don’t want life to go back to “exactly” how it was – but there are many

habits and precautions that are expected to stay for some time to come

People have a clear sense of where the Government should focus their efforts in “building

back better”, but this is coupled with a strong doubt that these improvements are realistic

What is the outlook for 2021?

35BritainThinks

1

2

3

4

5


What do these collective findings mean for councils?



This means that not everyone feels this is a moment for change and the

concept of recovery and the opportunity to build back better is not intuitive. The

case for change needs to be made to the public and must be sensitive to their

desire to ‘get back to normal’ (e.g. focusing on making normal better rather

than on maintaining new behaviours post-Covid).

1. Behaviour change has been

uneven, with the only universal

changes being highly time

specific and driven by

restrictions.

The local issues the public most engage with relate to issues like anti-social

behaviour and traffic problems. For many, these don’t feel connected to Covid-

19, but rather are long-standing issues which they feel have been forgotten.

However, many do report increased engagement in supporting the local

economy, which they do link to Covid-19.

2. The local issues citizens

tend to care most about are

long-standing and can feel

unconnected to Covid-19.

Councils need to communicate possible routes to participation, with easy

access points (on and offline), and use case studies to demonstrate that even

small time commitments can affect meaningful change. Motivational barriers

may be further overcome by focusing on or demonstrating a connection

between civic participation and the issues the public cares most about.

3. The biggest barriers to civic

participation are a lack of

knowledge, time and

motivation – particularly when

there’s nothing to react against.

Any questions?



1. What resonated with

you the most?

2. What is the main

thing you will take

away from the

research?

3. What areas can we

build on to support

communities?

BritainThinks | Private and Confidential

britainthinks.com

Thank youFor more information:

Cordelia Hay – [email protected]

BritainThinks

Somerset House

Strand

London

WC2R 1LA

Allie Jennings – [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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