The last year has seen major challenges for community cohesion and social unrest. We are only to see the major unrest that occurred in summer of 2024, to know what a major problem community cohesion is for our communities.
As the leading voice for community safety, we have a vested interest in ensuring best practice across the country. As such, we have identified a consultation that is of interest.
The Welsh Government have published numerous strategies aiming to promote community cohesion. The first occurred in 2009, with subsequent action plans in 2014-16, 2016-17 which built on this original strategy and established the community cohesion programme.
After an independent review of the programme in 2021, the Welsh Government agreed to continue funding it until 2025-26.
As a result, the Welsh Government is gathering written evidence to help its strategy in social cohesion.
In line with Terms of Reference the Committee will explore:
- The key the issues which impact social cohesion in Wales and consider whether interventions need to target specific groups of people, geographical areas or key issues.
- Examples of best practice and other interventions/needed to support social cohesion and overcome tensions. This includes understanding the role the third sector plays in supporting social cohesion and what barriers it faces, including funding.
- What support the Welsh Government provides to community groups and organisations and identify whether there are any opportunities to provide additional support. This includes examining the limitations and barriers which exist given some aspects of support for social cohesion are reserved to the UK Government (for example policing, media and internet regulation), and what action could be taken to overcome these challenges.
We are seeking views and evidence from any Welsh members, and in particular, anyone who has experience in community and social cohesion including hate crime.
If you wish to help contribute to our response, please get in touch via:
Harrison Box, Policy Officer
