Social Cohesion

Background

Societal unrest can often reflect deep-seated tensions and divisions within a community and can be linked to other incidents of civil disorder, such as the rioting that took place in Swansea and Cardiff in the Summer of 2023.

In 2009, the Welsh Government published a Strategy to promote community cohesion. Subsequent action plans in 2014-16 and 2016-17 built on the original strategy and established the Community Cohesion Programme.

 

Following an independent review of the Community Cohesion Programme in 2021, the Welsh Government agreed to fund the Programme until 2025-26.

 

The Equality and Social justice Committee has agreed to explore the issue of social and community cohesion further by holding this inquiry.

 

Terms of Reference

In line with the Terms of Reference the Committee will explore:

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>>>The key issues which impact social cohesion in Wales and consider whether interventions need to target specific groups of people, geographical areas or particular key issues.

>>>Examples of best practice and other interventions/needed to support social cohesion and overcome tensions. This includes understanding the role the third sector plays in supporting social cohesion and what barriers it faces, including funding.

>>>What support the Welsh Government provides to community groups and organisations and identify whether there are any opportunities to provide additional support. This includes examining the limitations and barriers which exist given some aspects of support for social cohesion are reserved to the UK Government (for example policing, media and internet regulation), and what action could be taken to overcome these challenges.

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The Committee will also be considering the wider context for community cohesion following targeted attacks on refugees and asylum seekers in communities across the UK during the summer of 2024.

 

The Committee’s call for evidence

The Committee would welcome written evidence on the inquiry’s terms of reference from stakeholders. 

 

We want to make sure that our work is informed by experiences, needs, and views that reflect the diversity of the people and communities affected by these issues.

 

We encourage anyone with expertise or experience of these issues to share your views, with the full knowledge that your views will be welcomed and valued.

 

How to share your views

Please submit your written evidence via email to SeneddEquality@Senedd.Wales

 

Or by post to:

 

Equality and Social Justice Committee,
Welsh Parliament,
Cardiff,
CF99 1SN.

 

The closing date for submissions is 14 February 2025.

 

Providing Written Evidence

The Senedd has two official languages, Welsh and English.

 

In line with the Senedd’s Official Languages Scheme, the Committee welcomes contributions in both or either of our official languages, and we ask organisations that are subject to Welsh Language standards or schemes to respond in line with their own obligations. Please inform the Committee when submitting responses if you intend to provide a translation at a later date.

 

Please see guidance for those providing evidence for committees.

 

Disclosure of information

Please ensure that you have considered the Senedd’s policy on disclosure of information before submitting information to the Committee.