Misinformation in local areas often acts as a catalyst to tensions. This takes various forms – ranging from hearsay about minorities being favoured by the council to misunderstandings around the cultural practices of new groups. Rumours tap into grievances and undermine trust in decision-makers. There is a clear offline element to this as well as an online one, but the online element has become more pronounced thanks to COVID-19.

 

At this event we heard from practitioners about the challenges these issues pose and the steps they have taken to try and counter local-level conspiracies. It is the fifth in our Hopeful Towns ‘What Works’ series.