Purpose

Development of a Community Cohesion Strategy 2027 – 2032 with a two-year action plan 2026 - 28 and update on wider community cohesion activity.

Decision

RESOLVED:

(a) That Cabinet notes the existing community cohesion activity already being delivered across both councils through the Community Hub and Be Together programme.

(b) That Cabinet approves the development of a five-year community cohesion strategy that supports the Councils motions for Fair treatment for all residents (South Oxfordshire District Council, 23 October 2025), and Sanctuary and Fair Treatment for All (Vale of White Horse District Council, 10 December 2025).

(c) That Cabinet notes the strategy will finalise a fully funded action plan for the year 2027/28, linking all existing grant funding and National Lottery funding into a homogenous action plan. The strategy action plan will outline in principle further actions that any future authority can consider to support community cohesion.

(d) That Cabinet approves the commissioning of Belong, a specialist third-sector organisation with recognised expertise in developing cohesion strategies that link cultural, social and economic factors to deliver best practice, to develop a community cohesion strategy and action for the year 2027/28 for Cabinet approval.