Build stronger and safe communities

Bristol is an increasingly diverse city, with 12% of the population from Black & Minority Ethnic backgrounds. It has proud communities across the city. We would like as many people as possible to be actively engaged and to participate in deciding how things are done, for example in helping make every area of the city feel safer. Our diversity is increasing and will continue to do so over the next 10 years.  It is essential that we make sure that no one suffers disadvantage, that the gaps that exist between ethnic groups achievement, access to services and quality of life are tackled.

We would also like to ensure that people can get involved in shaping the way services are delivered in their area; from bins to buses. Therefore we will concentrate on:

1. Engagement: In order to strengthen our communities we will put in place processes that make it much easier for people to influence decisions in their area. This process will use Neighbourhood Partnerships to enhance civic pride, volunteering and local democracy.

2. Equalities action : By identifying inequalities and taking action we will ensure that no one is disadvantaged by colour, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief or because they are transgender. This is a major challenge as many inequalities are historical and deeply embedded. However, we will ensure that we bring our commitments to life by using our knowledge and creativity to reduce the disparities that are evident.