Home | Your Council | Equality and diversity | Race | Community Cohesion

Community Cohesion

Community Cohesion describes the ability of communities to function and grow in harmony rather than in conflict. The Government attached increased importance to the community cohesion agenda in response to civil unrest in several northern cities during 2001. The Local Government Association’s definition of a cohesive community is the most widely accepted. According to the LGA, a cohesive community exhibits 4 characteristics:

• There is a common vision and a sense of belonging for all communities.
   
• The diversity of people’s different backgrounds and circumstances are appreciated and positively valued.
   
• Those from different backgrounds have similar life opportunities.
   
• Strong and positive relationships are being developed between people from different backgrounds in the workplace, in schools and within neighbourhoods.

Local authorities like PCC have a specific statutory responsibility to promote good community relations and respond to community tensions.  At the moment this is achieved through the multi-agency Community Cohesion Response Group (CCRG).  The CCRG was formed following the London bombings in July 2005 and includes representation from PCC, Police, Fire Services and the VCS, including inter-faith and BME communities.  An evaluation of CCRG highlighted the benefits of a multi-agency approach, including enhanced safety, better communication between agencies and with communities, and ability to quickly respond to cohesion issues.  The CCRG has been recognised as best practice by the Home Office. 

At the moment, we are eager to expand our role to promote community cohesion rather than just provide an emergency response and a report is being prepared to decide how we will do this in the future.

If you have any questions or want more information, please contact Adam Reeves, Corporate Strategic Marketing Manager on 9283 4050 or email adam.reeves@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.