Cohesive communities are safer and more resilient
A new guide to social cohesion for councils was launched late last month by the LGA, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Belong Network, a non-government organisation focused on social cohesion.
‘Common ground: building cohesive communities’ was funded by MHCLG, which will also support online training events for members, executive leaders and lead officers in England in the next couple of months, organised by the LGA and delivered by Belong.
Speaking at the launch, Miatta Fahnbulleh, Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, welcomed the guidance as “a practical toolkit grounded in evidence and real-world practice – to help councils and communities build a future of trust and belonging in every neighbourhood”.
The guidance comes at a time when many councils are looking for practical ways to strengthen trust, connection and resilience in their communities. Cohesive communities are safer, more resilient communities, better able to withstand shocks and respond to tension before it escalates.
“Social cohesion is not self-sustaining – it has to be actively nurtured – and councils cannot do this alone; partnership working is essential”
The guidance has sections on developing a social cohesion strategy, partnerships and partner organisations, the role of councillors, addressing challenges and making the strategy sustainable.
Throughout, it recognises that social cohesion is not self-sustaining – it has to be actively nurtured – and that councils cannot do this alone; partnership working is essential.
It is not intended to be prescriptive, recognising that every place is different and that councils will draw on the tools that best fit their local context.
There are in excess of 70 case studies, highlighting good practice from Doncaster to Devon and Cornwall, drawing on Belong’s consultations with more than 150 organisations and shaped by an expert reference group of seven local authorities.
Kelly Fowler, Chief Executive of the Belong Network, said: “Councils have told us they need clear direction, practical guidance and a shared approach with partners – helping ensure social cohesion is truly everyone’s business.”
The MHCLG grant was also used to provide training on misinformation and disinformation to more than 500 officers via a series of online regional events, with a further session for members in the autumn.
MHCLG has awarded the LGA and Belong further funding for additional cohesion-related work in the coming year.
To complement this work, the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Committee has published its new guide – ‘The role of sport, arts and culture in supporting community cohesion’.
This was commissioned by the committee after the disorder in England in summer 2024 and following feedback from member councils that culture had, or could have, a protective factor in some areas. The guide explores how this has been achieved and the new approaches being taken. The 10 councils interviewed were a mix of those who had disorder and those who didn’t.
Speaking at the launch of ‘Common ground’, LGA Chair Cllr Louise Gittins said: “Social cohesion is about place-making, and it is council services that contribute towards a shared sense of belonging.
“This practical guide will help support councils to go beyond statutory duties, work in partnership and build resilient, connected communities in which everyone can thrive.”
- ‘Common ground: building cohesive communities’ and ‘The role of sport, arts and culture in supporting community cohesion’ can be downloaded in full from the LGA’s website.