Reports on the work and activities undertaken across government over the last year to increase race equality and community cohesion. Outlines the progress towards achieving equality in the key public services; education, the labour market, housing, health and the criminal justice system.

Sets out progress in building community cohesion. Includes a detailed statistical breakdown on 'Race Equality in the Public Services' which contains in-depth statistical information about performance with a focus on race inequality using data from published surveys and official statistics provided by government departments. Presents an analysis of this data and identifies trends and gaps in knowledge.

Improving Opportunity, Strengthening Society is the first cross-government strategy to increase race equality and community cohesion. It was launched in January 2005 and sets out the government’s commitment to create a society in which every individual, whatever their racial or ethnic origin, is able to fulfil their potential through the enjoyment of equal opportunities, rights and responsibilities. The progress report assesses the first year of the strategy.

The document reports the actions government has taken. The statistical section draws on data from published surveys and official statistics provided by government departments, relating to Public Service Agreement (PSA) targets relevant to the reduction of race inequality and the building of community cohesion.

Finds that progress has been made, but there is a long way to go. Suggests that the government must ensure that people and communities feel change on the ground, which means stepping up the work with national, regional and local partners and further improving understanding of what is happening for different people in different areas.

Department for Communities and Local Government
Phone: +44 20 7944 4400
contactus@communities.gov.uk

01/07/2006

Department for Communities and Local Government

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration

Integration of social groups