GB-London: Presentation on cohesion risks from Census 2021 data release

The LGA's work includes supporting the Special Interest Group on Countering Extremism (SIGCE); a sector-led local authority network funded by the LGA, which works to support councils and partner agencies to respond to extremism and cohesion challenges at a local level, bringing local authorities and partners together across England and Wales to share their learning and experiences, explore common challenges, collaborate, and identify new and emerging issues.

One emerging issue for local authorities is the publication of data from the 2021 Census in autumn/winter 2022-2023. This will include specific data on ethnic and religious diversity and change over time. It is anticipated that the data release could be used by some groups to stoke anti-immigration narratives, which present cohesion and extremism concerns for local government.

To help raise awareness amongst local authorities of the risks associated with this issue, and consider how the sector can best prepare, the SIGCE is hosting a roundtable for local government practitioners in October 2022. We are seeking an expert input at the roundtable which explores the cohesion and extremism related issues around the data release, and what measures councils might take to counter divisive narratives.

Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.