Single group funding

The Commission on Integration and Cohesion recommended, in its June 2007 report, that Single Group Funding should become the exception.

The Commission asserted that Single Group Funding contributed to segregation and undermined community cohesion. NAVCA strongly disagrees with the Commission's position.

The experience of NAVCA members supports the view that statutory funding for local BME groups helps them to become effective advocates on behalf of their communities and encourages their leaders to become involved in district-wide voluntary action. In so doing, funding of BME groups builds bridges across ethnic and faith divisions and promotes cohesion.

All community groups have a responsibility to build bridges between communities in order to improve understanding and acceptance of each other's culture. Many provide valuable local services, tailored to meet the needs of people whom mainstream services frequently fail. We would like to see all groups adopt an outward looking and inclusive approach that builds bridges with other sections of the local community.

NAVCA has been working with Voice4Change England to persuade the Government to reject the Commission's recommendations on Single Group Funding. We welcome the Government's announcement that acknowledges the positive role that groups representing specific communities can have in building a more cohesive society. However we await the Government's full response to the Commission on Integration and Cohesion report before offering our whole-hearted endorsement.