Unique role of local authority key to tackling race tensions says NLGN to CRE conference

November 28, 2006

At a Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) conference today (Tues), NLGN Director Chris Leslie argued that local authorities should be on the front-line of promoting community cohesion.

He argued that authorities have the knowledge and understanding of local communities to ensure that potential tensions over cultural issues or allocation of resources are resolved.

Speaking at the conference, Mr Leslie said:

“Local authorities have a unique role in the day to day lives of communities. They are front-line and multi-functional, close enough to people to understand their needs and concerns. As such they are well-placed to understand the drivers underlying tensions between groups and to address them early, be they conflicts over values or perceived injustices over resources.

Local civic action can pinpoint isolated or socially excluded communities in a targeted and tailored way, something that a crude national policy approach cannot achieve. Local leaders can work with community groups to create a sense of belonging and shared experiences for different sections of their area.

Nationwide attempts to legislate for greater social harmony are well-meaning, but ultimately legislation can rarely touch the soul of the community or its sense of settled stability. At a local level however, authorities offer a way of bringing people together to define solutions for better community relations”.

Media enquiries James Hulme on 020 7357 0116

Notes for Editors:

The New Local Government Network (NLGN) is an independent think tank, seeking to transform public services, revitalise local political leadership and empower local communities.


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