William Eichler 01 October 2015

Report highlights 'uncertain future' for BAME community assets

The government must help Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) organisations take over community buildings to ensure future generations benefit from them argues a new report by Ubele Initiative and Locality.

The urban uprisings in the 1980s in areas such as Brixton (pictured), Tottenham and Bristol led to the emergence of many community organisations and spaces being leased to diaspora communities.

Over the last five to ten years, however, the groups claim local authorities have failed to renew many of the leases on these community assets, which has led to BAME groups being forced from the centres where they traditionally meet, work, learn and celebrate.

The report, A Place to Call Home, highlights the vulnerability of these neighbourhood centres. According to data from a total of 150 organisations across England, 54% of respondents said the future of their community buildings was ‘insecure’.

Locality chief executive, Tony Armstrong, stresses that while the report reveals some inspirational stories of community leadership, it also 'underlines the uncertain future of community buildings primarily used by BAME groups and stresses the struggles and losses that many have faced in recent years'.

'The Government needs to act', he continues, 'to ensure BAME groups are supported, take on and retain the important community assets which mean they can make a difference to the people in their neighbourhoods.'

Black hole spending review image

Black hole spending review

Jonathan Werran, chief executive of Localis, reflects on what the Spending Review means for local government.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Portage Worker - SEND and Inclusion

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 18 months Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 12 months   We are recruiting Portage Workers Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 (pre-progression) / £39,513 - £43,693 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed their assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First Service. WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Receptionist

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 pro rata p.a. Grade 3 (£12.64 to £13.05 per hour)
Casual as and when required opportunity is available Spennymoor Leisure Centre. WHAT IS INVOLVED? In this role you will professionally welcome custom Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
2x Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant Vacancies Would you like to work with a group of wonderful children in order to help them to have a happy and sett Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711?pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5     £25,584 - £27,711?pro rata Full time, Term Time Only + 2 Weeks Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 un Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner