Khan review of social cohesion – LGA response

Responding to the independent review by Dame Sara Khan into social cohesion and resilience, Cllr Heather Kidd, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said:

“This important report reflects our concerns around the growing threat to democracy and social cohesion posed by conspiracy theories, disinformation and extremist activity, in particular the appalling abuse of councillors.

“Councils have an essential role to play in building and maintaining cohesive communities, but as this report suggests, have been limited by a lack of funding for counter-extremism work while facing significant budgetary pressures.

“In spite of this, the LGA has continued to support the sector through its Special Interest Group on Countering Extremism (SIGCE) and its Debate not Hate campaign.

“We want to work with government to tackle these long-term challenges and implement the recommendations of this review. However, councils need urgent funding to counter extremism and misinformation, with the restoration of SIGCE funding and effective regional support.”

Notes to Editors

Debate Not Hate: LGA campaign toolkit