The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has welcomed a series of urgent calls by the Senedd’s Equalities and Social Justice Committee to protect and strengthen social cohesion in communities across Wales.

In its “Co-operation over Conflict: Wales Must Act” report, the Committee highlights the impact of rising social tensions on Welsh communities.

The report makes several recommendations, including:

• Establishing an expert Welsh Government panel to develop a clear framework and strategic direction for social cohesion.
• Review and secure funding for cohesion teams beyond March 2026.
• Protecting community spaces.
• Welsh Government to lead efforts to combat misinformation, in collaboration with local government and the third sector.
• Addressing far-right extremism by assessing threats and developing resources.

Councillor Jason McLellan, WLGA Spokesperson for Social Justice, said:

“Social cohesion doesn’t happen by accident - it takes partnership, local leadership and resources. When tensions rise, it’s local councils, community workers and voluntary groups who are often on the frontline, helping people come together rather than drift apart.

“Councils will welcome this timely report and support the Committee’s recommendations. A clear framework and strategic direction from the Welsh Government, accompanied by long-term investment, would boost local planning and delivery efforts in maintaining good social cohesion. As shown in the report, local action works best in partnership.

“We also welcome the report’s emphasis on tackling misinformation and extremism and their toxic impacts on discourse and democracy. Abuse and intimidation are making it harder for people to take part in public life, risking silencing those who most need to be heard. Civic engagement relies on people feeling safe, informed, and empowered to contribute. Nobody should be made to feel excluded or that they don’t belong in our communities.

“Local government will work closely with the Welsh Government and our partners to progress these important actions and to co-ordinate work at local and national levels. All of us have a stake in creating the safe, inclusive, resilient communities that we want to see for our families, friends and neighbours – for current and future generations alike.”