More resilient communities

Local authorities and government need to invest in strengthening communities.

They need to take a positive stance on immigration in their policies, their media narratives and in society. And they need to stand against racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism and other forms of hatred.

Who's at risk from divided communities?

Broken and divided communities put everyone at risk during a crisis. Particularly those most isolated or oppressed. 

People of colour, Muslim and Jewish people, migrants, and refugees are most at risk from people committing racist acts of violence encouraged by the rhetoric of some politicians.

What can local authorities do to strengthen communities? 

Local authorities need to work closely with local charities, churches, social enterprises and volunteer groups to build community cohesion and resilience. It's time and money well invested because it helps create a community that looks out for each other in times of need. 

Local authorities have a legal duty to look after asylum seekers. As part of fulfilling these duties they should ensure these people are welcomed into the community and challenge misinformation. 

What can the government do to strengthen communities?

The government should counteract narratives of hatred that seek to create division. But it should also understand that these narratives are being listened to by some because many people feel abandoned, particularly after many years of austerity, stagnant wages and soaring costs. 

Who should pay to help communities become more resilient?

The government's £5 billion Pride in Place Programme is a welcome step toward helping communities become more resilient. But with only 250 places, and with funding spread over 10 years, it's a drop in the ocean compared with what's needed. 

Likewise, the government's new £500 million Youth Strategy is a step in the right direction but not enough to return spending to 2010/11 levels.

In terms of the changes to where people live that climate change is causing, the fossil fuel industry should help. The fossil fuel industry is responsible for climate extremes.

The wealthy can also afford to contribute more. In the last decade while many people have got poorer, many have got richer. 

Watch out for migration disinformation

There's a lot of disinformation out there designed to generate division. We all need to be vigilant.

Many of those who spread divisive narratives - powerful people like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Nigel Farage - benefit from distracting the discussion away from deep inequality in society onto migration, despite migrants having done the least to cause the climate and cost of living crises.These narratives are also being spread by local politicians on social media and election leaflets for example.

Be ultra-cautious about what to believe and try to counter disinformation where you can. The information in this article can help you. 

Your community's voice matters

Across England in listening activities carried out by groups, more cohesive and resilient communities was often voted as a priority.

• Tell councillors that your community cares about climate change and more resilient communities.  
• Tell them that communities want more cohesive communities and for local authorities to welcome refugees. Use evidence from your own listening activities if you have this.
• Ask them to sign-up to your Friends of the Earth’s Charter of for Climate Hope if your group has one.  
• Look at the post-election guide for ideas on how to engage with your councillors.