I have just added a new booklet from DCLG on community  cohesion to the sidebar (under CLG).

Whilst the booklet is directed at assisting local authorities to mainstream community cohesion across other service agencies, in truth it builds upon the joined up partnership approach to realising cross functional benefits that featured strongly in my last post (efficiency in the public sector).

It also takes a stab at making the economic case for cohesion, arguing that as a sense of community increases by 1 unit, all crime will potentially decrease by 3%, burglary dwelling by 3%, theft of motor vehicle by 4%, theft from by 2% and violent crime by 2.7%.

Interestingly it also provides the average costs of various crimes (2007/2008 prices!) as: violent crime £11,520, burglary dwelling £3,617, theft of vehicle £4,580, and theft from a vehicle at £950.

Overall, the booklet provides some good case studies and some examples of effective practice.