The LGA is committed to progress on age, disability, gender, race, religion and belief, sexual orientation and broader equality and human rights issues. It has observer status on the Equality and Diversity Forum and seeks to support its members to celebrate Britain's diversity and recognise the contributions that different groups make.

The LGA is also committed to promoting the role of local authorities in fostering community cohesion and providing appropriate advice and guidance to support them in this role. A cohesive community is one in which:

  • there is a common vision and a sense of belonging for all communities;
  • the diversity of people's different backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and positively valued;
  • those from different backgrounds have similar life opportunities; and
  • strong and positive relationships are being developed between people from different backgrounds and circumstances in the workplace, in schools and within neighbourhoods.

Equality and community cohesion are critical to the quality of life of local people and as such the issues go to the heart of the powers of councils, set out in the 2000 Local Government Act, to promote well-being. Through their role as community leaders, as 'place-shapers', by working with local partners, influencing local services and making things happen, local authorities can embed these principles throughout local life and bring about real change to the lives of the people living in their areas.

LGA member council content symbol - white M in red circle

Content marked with a red 'M' is only available to you if you are from a Local Government Association member council and have registered on the website. You will also be able to use your username and password on other Local Government Group websites.

Latest news and analysis

  • Earning the right to stay - a new points test for citizenship

    As part of its ongoing changes to the immigration system, the Home Office UK Borders Agency ran a public consultation on the introduction of a new points test for earned citizenship, which aims to better manage the numbers allowed to settle permanently in the United Kingdom. Attached is the LGA Group response, which explores the proposals to expand the role of local authorities to deliver enhanced services under the earned citizenship system.

    Added on: 2 December 2009

  • Worker Registration Scheme

    Access the January 2010 - March 2010 local authority level WRS data from the UK Border Agency. This up-to-date information will not only enable you to discover more about your changing local population, but is invaluable in planning your services. You will be able to investigate new migrant employment patterns including seasonal working, which is essential in building up local economic and employment knowledge.

    Added on: 7 June 2010
    People crossing Millennium Bridge

  • Equalities and Procurement Survey 2008

    The EHRC, the IDeA, the LGA and the Society of Procurement Officers in local government (SOPO) have just published several pieces of research conducted in order to understand better how local authorities procure services, works and goods, throughout the different stages of the procurement process.

    Added on: 9 June 2009
    Office workers

  • Communicating Cohesion: Evaluating Local Authority Communication Strategies

    This research report is the culmination of an in-depth investigation into local authority communications, from the perspective of promoting community cohesion. The findings reinforce the need for effective communications to address perceptions by some groups that they are losing out to others and the need for local authorities to take a strategic approach to communications, involving not just council staff and elected members, but the community itself.

    Added on: 4 February 2009

See also

  • Preventing violent extremism The LGA understand and share central Government's determination to fight terrorism, but we are keen to ensure there is a distinction between efforts focused on dealing with terrorist threats, and broader approaches to community cohesion. We have sought clarity about an appropriate and limited role for councils in support of direct police/security services-led interventions while acknowledging the broader and longer term role of councils in support of the PREVENT strategy.

  • Population and Migration LGA Analysis and Research has stared a wide ranging programme of work considering local demographics and populations, and in particular migration, in which we are developing a local government proposition for medium and longer term strategies to get better nationally accredited local population estimates which can take account of the rapid changes brought about through international migration. We are also researching the impact of international migration on services and the community infrastructure, including the costs and the way these costs are covered.

External link

  • IDeA Equality and Diversity pages The Equalities and Cohesion team at the IDeA provide up-to-date information on equality policy and practice, such as where to find evidence and data, guidance on legislation and examples of good practice.

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