To ask Her Majesty's Government what criteria are used to identify neighbourhoods for inclusion in the Connecting Communities programme; and what consultations take place with (a) the local authority or authorities, (b) the local strategic partnership, (c) other local organisations and (d) other local contacts before identifying and announcing a neighbourhood for inclusion in the programme. [HL1599]

Connecting Communities neighbourhoods have been identified by examining a range of data around cohesion, migration, deprivation and crime alongside softer intelligence informed by discussions with local authorities. Where to focus activity was a joint decision between each relevant local authority and central government. Before any announcement, local authorities, in consultation with partners and locally elected representatives, will have drawn up individual plans for each neighbourhood, focusing on giving people a bigger say in local issues, addressing specific local concerns and increasing access to local services and opportunities.