Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will take steps to promote community-based initiatives that foster social connections among vulnerable populations.

The government funds programmes to increase social connections including those run by Near Neighbours and Schools Linking, which deliver initiatives in communities to bring people together.

Community groups also play a crucial role in promoting social cohesion and providing services which improve health and wellbeing, reduce anti-social behaviour, protect nature and offer support to groups in need. On 23 December 2024 we announced the outcome of round 4 of the Community Ownership Fund, with 85 projects from across the UK receiving £36.2 million in funding.