29 Jan 2026
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.
Strong communities also reduce the health costs of social isolation. Investment in youth clubs and other social networking opportunities has plummeted through the years because of austerity.
Local government spending on youth services fell by 73% between 2010/11 and 2022/23 to just £1.2 billion, with more than 1,000 youth centres closing and over 4,500 youth worker roles being lost. It’s time to rebuild.
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.
Your voice matters
During elections politicians make more of an effort to listen. Tell them you care about more resilient communities and climate change. Tell them you want polluters and wealthy people to pay. Ask them to sign-up to Friends of the Earth’s Charter for Climate Hope.