The Team talked to residents, community leaders, RSLs and regeneration agencies, to identify the issues which had fuelled the riots, plus ideas and good practice at local level to encourage more community cohesion among British people from different cultures and backgrounds.

The report recommends action based upon shared values and a celebration of diversity.

Its proposals hinge on honest dialogue between people who have been living in adjoining communities without contact or understanding.

It concludes that strong messages are needed at all levels - starting with the government - to combat fear and distrust between communities, and that the concept of community cohesion should become central to all strategic planning.

Each area should produce a local community cohesion plan, promoting cross-cultural contact, understanding and respect.

The assumption that BME communities are always recipients should be challenged; they should be seen as contributors to local and national change.

Agencies should create and sustain an ethos which constantly promotes joint working and collaboration, and new funding guidelines should be developed to support these new ways of working.

How can community cohesion be achieved in practice?

This seminar will examine the implications of the concept for housing providers, regeneration agencies, tenants and residents, and looks at some examples of good practice in joint working and outreach which have lessons for all.

membership