Social Cohesion

Inquiry4

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.

Evidence gathering

The Committee’s call for written evidence closed on 14 February 2025. The responses to the consultation have been published.

Oral evidence

The Committee held a series of formal oral evidence sessions between March and May 2025. Transcripts of these meetings are available by following the ‘Related Meetings’ tab at the top of this page. 

The Committee also held a roundtable discussion, stakeholder event and undertook visits to Railway Gardens, Caia Park and Cae Fardre.

The Senedd Commission’s Citizen Engagement Team has also carried out citizen engagement activities on behalf of the Committee.

Additional written evidence gathering

During the stakeholder event, Llanelli Unites agreed to share the report from the “Healing the Divide” conference held in Llanelli in November 2024. The conference arose from the divisions and hatred following the Home Office proposals for the Stradey Park Hotel to house asylum seekers. The conference was organised by Llanelli Unites, a voluntary group committed to promoting and celebrating the multicultural and diverse communities of Llanelli.

On 27 March 2025 the Committee wrote to the Future Generations Commissioner regarding social cohesion. The Future Generations Commissioner responded on 4 May 2025.

All of the evidence that the Committee gathers will help it understand key issues, draw conclusions, and make informed recommendations.

Report

The Committee laid its report: “Co-operation over conflict: Wales must Act” on 9 October 2025.

Welsh Government response

The Welsh Government laid their response to the report on 26 November 2025.