The Commission on Integration and Cohesion reports

The final report from the Commission on Integration and Cohesion setting out the steps that need to be taken to build strong, cohesive and integrated communities was published today.

The independent Commission chaired by Darra Singh (pictured) was established by Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly and tasked with considering what local and practical action is needed to overcome the barriers to integration and cohesion. Over the past year they have visited towns and cities across the country gathering evidence on how communities themselves are taking action in response to their own circumstances and particular cohesion challenges.

The Commission’s report, “Our Shared Future”, puts forward a wide-ranging set of recommendations for practical action to address cohesion and integration issues at a local level, along with suggestions for a national framework to support these.

Some of the key areas covered by the report include how we promote and support English language speaking, developing a new role for local authorities with strengthened support from national government and how we put a renewed focus on citizenship.

The report contains detailed research into how cohesion issues are affecting areas in different ways and how the nature of the cohesion challenge has changed.

In 2001, tensions between established groups led to disturbances in some Northern Towns. This unrest prompted the Government to respond at a national level – setting out a new cohesion policy based on the experiences of those towns. As Britain grows more diverse and globalisation brings new patterns of migration, the challenges may have changed and become more complex. Each area of the country is different and local responses are therefore needed to respond to the issues of cohesion and integration.

The report underlines the need to move away from a single approach towards more sophisticated analysis and tailored local solutions in order to make communities more resilient and united in dealing with the present and future challenges. It stresses the need for a more local approach in each area.

Chair of the Commission Darra Singh said:
“Diversity continues to be both a huge economic and cultural strength for our country. As a nation we have a long tradition of fairness and tolerance and these traditions hold true today. We are also more united and cohesive than most countries across Europe and around the world.”
“Our latest research shows that almost 80% of people think that individuals from different backgrounds get on well in their area, and as a Commission we have been struck by this sense of optimism and commitment to building strong communities.”
“At the same time, Britain continues to become a more diverse country with globalisation bringing new patterns of change. We have to recognise that there are communities who are experiencing migration in a way they haven’t before. This can raise real challenges in different parts of the country about how we promote integration and ensure we have strong and united communities.”
“Whilst there is no cause for alarm, there is a clear case for action. Our report sets out the challenges and the practical steps that everyone – individuals, organisations, local and national government – can take to overcome them and work towards developing our shared future.”

Click here for a copy of the report.