Local Authorities and Faith Communities

Inter Faith and Faith Group survey 2008

The Local Government Association Analysis and Research team, in partnership with the Inter Faith Network, conducted a survey of local authorities to look at how they are working with faith groups and inter faith organisations in their area and at what sort of additional guidance they think might be helpful for this work. The survey also prompted respondents to highlight examples of good practice and to flag up particular challenges.

Key Findings:

• found just over half (55 per cent) of councils have been involved in some way in helping to set up a local inter faith organisation
• most (83 per cent) had become involved in other ways
• one in three councils (35 per cent) provided grants to support the work of inter faith organisations
• three quarters (76 per cent) consulted with local inter faith organisations, particularly on issues which could affect community cohesion and equality and priorities for Local Area Agreements
• one in three councils (33 per cent) provided specific training for staff and members on working with faith groups and local inter faith structures

www.lga.gov.uk/lga/core/page.do?pageId=1094969

Faith and Community, 2002

This 48 page publication sets out existing good practice in relations between local authorities and faith communities and provides advice and information on developing these relationships. Download a copy here.The Government is committed to updating this guidance and FbRN is part of a Working Group convened by the Department for Communities and Local Government to develop a programme of work that will lead to updated guidance.