Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to involve civil society in the development of successful integration (1) under the five integration areas outlined in the Integration Area Programme, and (2) more generally.

The work of civil society partners is integral to the positive work my department leads to build thriving, integrated communities in places across the country. Listening to, and acting on, what local voices can tell us about their place and their lives is at the heart of this government’s approach to tackling the complex reasons why some groups do less well at school, earn less at work, or are more likely to be victims of crime. MHCLG’s Integration Area programme is a good example of this. Each Integration Area has created a Local Integration Partnership, with membership drawn from local businesses, charities, faith organisations and many others who possess the experience, expertise and understanding of the whole community in their place. This enables the areas to build in representation from all communities and sectors – including across the civil society landscape - and ensure everyone who wants to, is able to input on the ambitious local integration strategies and other work being developed through this innovative programme.