New investment in local authorities to promote community cohesion welcomed by London

The announcement of increased funding to help local authorities promote community cohesion has been welcomed today (Tuesday) by London Councils at its Building Strong Local Communities conference.

The new funding announced by Communities and Local Government will see an increase in funding to local authorities from £2 million for 2007/08 to £50 million over the next three years.

Speaking at the conference, London Councils' Lead Member for Equalities Councillor Anjana Patel said:

"This money will be a welcome boost to local authorities who are already working hard to promote community cohesion. Through their understanding and knowledge of local communities, London's councils have played a vital role in fostering community relations in the capital - particularly since the 7 July bombings.

"Councils are keen to play their part in ensuring all members of the community feel that they belong and have a role to play in local and national life. But it is important that government recognise the areas that face the greatest pressures.

"The capital is a magnet for migrants from overseas and the rest of the country. While this is one of the things that make London a great city, it has of course placed an extra burden on local authorities in their work to promote community cohesion. I hope the government will recognise these additional pressures when it comes to allocating funding."

Further information

The London Councils' Community Cohesion conference - Building strong local communities: delivering community cohesion in London - took place today, Tuesday 16 October, with speakers including Minister for London Tessa Jowell MP and Yasmin Alibhai-Brown.

For more information please see www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/communitycohesion

For details of the Communities and Local Government announcement, please see www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/500395 Opens in a new window

In response to the Commission on Integration and Cohesion's report in June, London Councils called for greater investment in local authorities to support their work in promoting community cohesion.

For more information, please see our press release: London Councils welcomes proposals to place councils at the centre of community cohesion

Any members of the media wanting any more information should contact Chris Hogwood in the London Councils press office on 020 7934 9757 or at christopher.hogwood@londoncouncils.gov.uk