Benjamin-Taylor -Healing-our-divided-communities-Local-Government-Chronicle-LGC
In this opinion piece for the Local Government Chronicle, Benjamin P. Taylor, chief executive of the Public Service Transformation Academy, argues that UK communities are experiencing deepening political and social division driven by a process he calls ‘schismogenesis’, where small wedges of disagreement amplify into entrenched ‘othering’. He links this phenomenon to Brexit, the rise of extremist parties, and a host of policy debates such as insourcing versus outsourcing, devolution versus centralisation, and public‑private ownership models. Taylor warns against simplistic, radical fixes that promise quick fixes but risk deepening mistrust. Instead, he advocates a nuanced, inclusive approach that involves diagnostic clarity, scenario planning, community‑led engagement, and a ‘truth and reconciliation’ style process within local government. By rebuilding citizenship, acknowledging trauma, and dissolving false dichotomies, he believes local authorities can restore cohesion, retain public trust, and create sustainable, community‑focused governance.
Topics
Schismogenesis and the Rise of ‘Othering’ in UK Communities
Explains the systems‑thinking concept of schismogenesis and how small political wedges have expanded into deep social divides, amplified by Brexit, extremist parties, and fragmented party politics.
Policy Fractures: Insourcing vs Outsourcing, Devolution vs Centralisation, Public vs Private Ownership
Maps the multiple, intersecting policy debates that act as fault lines in local governance, showing how each creates competing narratives and fuels division.
The Pitfalls of Simple, Radical Solutions
Critiques quick‑fix, radical proposals (e.g., ‘national care service’, hard‑line Brexit, radical insourcing) as likely to attract charismatic leaders but ultimately deepen mistrust and expectations they cannot meet.
Inclusive, Diagnostic‑Driven Approaches to Rebuilding Cohesion
Advocates scenario planning, community listening events, truth‑and‑reconciliation‑style work, and citizen education as ways to diagnose underlying grievances and co‑create solutions.
Local Government’s Role in Restoring Citizenship and Trust
Positions local authorities as the arena where civic identity, participation, and mutual respect can be rebuilt, emphasizing the need for politicians to focus on big‑picture, multi‑value governance.