community cohesion
Barnet, Brent, and Newham councils are currently focusing on initiatives to combat hate crime, promote inclusion, and strengthen community cohesion.
Barnet Council is enhancing hate crime awareness and reporting across the borough through a new cross-council initiative, supported by central government funding for two years, as discussed by the Safer Communities Partnership Board in September 2026. This follows Barnet Council's reaffirmation of its commitment to community cohesion and safety in January 2026. Newham Council also unanimously pledged to stand united against hatred and extremism in July 2026.
Brent Council secured £1.5 million in external funding in September 2026 for its cultural strategy, Brent Creates, which aims to leverage culture to address wider council priorities including community cohesion. In January 2026, Wandsworth's Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education was exploring public faith walks, inspired by a Merton model, to promote interfaith understanding.
Community cohesion, which involves building positive relationships and shared identity within communities, was also a focus for Sutton Council in November 2025, when it resolved to write to the Home Secretary for support and resources to combat racism and hostility. The topic is scheduled for discussion at the Tower Hamlets Council meeting in October 2026.
Key facts
- Barnet Council is enhancing hate crime awareness and reporting with central government funding for two years. Source
- Brent Council secured £1.5 million in external funding for its cultural strategy, Brent Creates, in September 2026. Source
- Newham Council unanimously passed a motion in July 2026 to stand united against hatred and extremism. Source
- Barnet Council reaffirmed its commitment to community cohesion and safety in January 2026. Source
- Wandsworth's SACRE was exploring public faith walks to promote interfaith understanding in January 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.