Everyone should be able to access beautiful places and green spaces, not only the well-off, according to a new report from the think tank ResPublica. It published ‘A Community Right to Beauty’ which polled 2164 people on their access to beautiful surroundings.
Caroline Julian, report co-author and Deputy Director of ResPublica, says being surrounded by beauty should be a right for all not just for the privileged. “Those who are surrounded by beauty are more likely to take care of it, become more involved in their communities. Uglier places see higher levels of anti-social behaviour, crime and more litter. We have to create a system by which we all have a Right to Beauty.”
Less litter was most commonly mentioned as the most important factor in making an area beautiful (by 36pc). Less crime, vandalism and graffiti was mentioned by 35 per cent and 23pc said fewer vacant and run-down buildings was the most important factor in making their local area more beautiful.
To remedy inequalities, authors make political and financial recommendations. Areas without much visual appeal should be designated Community Improvement Districts. In these areas communities would be empowered to demand policies to tackle problems such as Litter Abatement Orders where litter is an issue.
The report priced £15 is available from ResPublica.
