A new city‑wide plan setting out Leeds’s commitment to strengthening social cohesion is set to be presented to city council leaders on 11 February, outlining how the city will build stronger connections between communities and celebrate its diverse population.
The Stronger Leeds Strategy 2026–30 focuses on improving people’s sense of belonging, building trust across differences and ensuring Leeds remains a city where people from all backgrounds can live together peacefully.
Social cohesion is described in the strategy as the extent to which people from different backgrounds, cultures and faiths get on and share common values, goals and responsibilities. The document highlights the need to invest in and strengthen social connections across faith, race and difference, helping to build trust and a shared sense of pride that can withstand forces of division.
The strategy has been shaped by conversations with communities across Leeds about what matters most to them and what would help improve relationships between people.
Following community engagement, the strategy identifies four guiding principles that will underpin action over the next four years:
- Participation – supporting people to take part in civic and community life
- Relationships – strengthening connections between individuals and groups
- Belonging – helping people feel valued, included and proud of Leeds
- Equality – addressing barriers and tackling discrimination
These principles align closely with the recently launched Leeds Ambitions, the city’s long‑term roadmap for tackling poverty and inequality.
The delivery plan places strong emphasis on working with the voluntary and community sector, faith groups, grassroots organisations and public‑sector partners – recognised as the cornerstones of neighbourhoods across Leeds.
It includes a detailed set of actions for the first year, reflecting residents' feedback on how relationships could be improved and which barriers to social cohesion need to be addressed.
One of the strategy’s key priorities is facilitating open and respectful conversations to help people understand differences.
A particular focus will be placed on engaging young people, working through schools and youth services to explore themes such as inclusion, critical thinking, stereotypes and misconceptions.
Another core commitment is to continue learning from communities, involving residents directly in discussions and decisions about what works, and what doesn’t, for them.
Executive Member for Communities, Customer Service and Community Safety at Leeds City Council, Cllr Asghar Khan, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be one of the most multicultural cities in the UK, something we want to celebrate.
“Recent years have presented challenges that have tested connections between communities, and people’s sense of belonging across the UK.
“Social cohesion is something that requires ongoing efforts, and the new Stronger Leeds Strategy 2026-30 comes after extensive community engagement and research to understand the challenges people face.
“This is all part of our work to make Leeds the best city to live in, built on equality of opportunity and respect for all communities. We want everyone in Leeds to feel respected and welcome, and we will not tolerate any discrimination or hate crime.”
Alongside the announcement of the new strategy, the council is continuing its city-wide anti-discrimination campaign, delivered in partnership with anchor organisations.
The campaign, launched in 2025, includes posters across the city centre and social media activity, promoting a clear message of zero tolerance towards misogyny, racism, anti‑Muslim prejudice, antisemitism, Hinduphobia, ageism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and disability discrimination.
It also celebrates Leeds’s diversity under the campaign tagline “What makes us different makes us Leeds.” The Stronger Leeds Strategy 2026–30 aims to provide a clear framework for building trust, strengthening relationships and fostering a shared sense of belonging across the city.
Image credit: iStock
