New Community Cohesion Strategy set for approval

The city council’s cabinet is set to approve a new strategy aimed at building a more united, cohesive city.

Following a public consultation exercise that found strong support, the Community Cohesion Strategy 2026-30 has been updated to reflect the views of local communities.

The strategy contains a number of priorities, including helping people to take part in community life, tackling disinformation and misinformation, spotting community tensions early and supporting local enterprises and opportunity.

After the consultation, the strategy also now has a new, clear vision statement and a series of measures that will be used to monitor progress.

The vision statement commits to working together “towards a city where everyone feels they belong and where trust between residents and the institutions that serve them is strong and visible”.

The number of priorities has been reduced from 13 to 10 to make the strategy more achievable and language has been changed to make it easier to read. There will also be a greater focus on instilling city pride.

The Community Cohesion Strategy builds on the One Stoke-on-Trent campaign, which launched in February 2025. One Stoke-on-Trent is a broad coalition made up of city council leaders, the police, the fire service, NHS, schools and colleges, local football teams, the media, faith and voluntary sectors and community groups.

It is backed by £600,000 of government funding and has distributed grants to amplify initiatives that promote cohesion. It has also worked with schools and community groups to provide training and education and run a joint awareness campaign spearheaded by the city’s football clubs.

The city council is also aiming to build on Centenary celebrations to leave a lasting legacy of unity and civic pride.

A Citizens Assembly will be put together to give people a more direct say on how the strategy will be delivered.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Stoke-on-Trent is an amazing city full of inspiring people from diverse backgrounds. But we’re also one city, with a culture that unites everyone. We’ve listened to residents’ opinions and concerns and used that to shape this strategy – which will help tackle the various challenges this city faces.

“We want to build a city that is connected and thriving and this strategy will help us achieve that. By breaking down social barriers, giving people a sense of belonging and ensuring equal opportunities for all, we can build united communities and show that we’re one of the friendliest, best places in the UK.”