Councils' responsibilities
The responsibility of local government for improving community cohesion will be given new impetus in the local government white paper, due in autumn 2006.
Ministers want local government to lead the effort to overcome racial tensions and revive local economies. Councils will be tasked to do this through rebuilding the institutions of civic society to revive participation in anything from chambers of commerce to youth clubs in a bid to overcome perceived apathy.
The Department for Communities & Local Government white paper will expect councils to:
- Establish an interfaith forum
- Strengthen private sector role through chamber of commerce
- Establish an effective race equality council
- Ensure cohesion focus in community policing
- Improve voluntary sector relationship
- Strengthen youth forums
- Maintain healthy political parties
- Provide strong leadership
