Big Issues

Many councils face similar issues. These are some of the most common.

Parallel lives: communities which have little or no connection with other communities, geographically, socially or economically. Polling shows that people who have least contact with members of different communities have the most negative attitudes towards them. Councils have a key role in promoting interaction, understanding and trust between their different communities.

Perception and image: councils have a role in promoting a positive sense of 'place'. Once perceptions are fixed, they are very hard to shift. For example, a northern business leader described Bradford as 'just curry and riots'. Councils can promote the vision for a place and that local people see diversity as an enrichment of their area and that all potential ambassadors know its good points.

White communities feeling marginalised: the May local election results highlighted the discontent in some white communities. This is often fuelled by perceptions - sometimes shared by longstanding BME residents too - that housing and other resources are allocated unfairly in favour of refugees, asylum seekers and new immigrants. Extremist groups like the BNP and some sections of the media are all too happy to exploit this. Councils must be prepared to discuss these issues and demonstrate that these concerns have been dealt with.

Communicating change: people in traditionally homogenous areas can be nervous about change, especially when people from different backgrounds are moving in. Promotion of the benefits of regeneration can lead to concerns that new housing will be out of reach of existing communities or that new jobs will be for skilled people from outside the area. Councils have to ensure that all communities feel that they will benefit from regeneration and change in the area.

Asylum seekers and refugees: councils have often been afraid to talk openly about this issue for fear of drawing attention to a problem. It's important that they communicate actively about asylum seekers and refugees, to dispel rumours and correct myths. They also need to communicate directly with asylum seekers and refugees. Councils should make sure that this target audience is included in all communication strategies.

Post-July 7: there was a sense of people pulling together in the wake of the London bombings. But when terrorism dictates much of the national and international political agenda, the potential for suspicion and hostility, particularly against Muslims, remains high. Councils need to have an ear on the ground, be active communicators and maintain good relationships with community leaders