Catholic Union: Levelling up needs faith groups

Source: Catholic Union

The Catholic Union has called on the Government to recognise the need to work with faith groups on its levelling up agenda.

Last month, the Government published the Levelling Up White Paper, which sets out a range of plans across education, health, transport, and investment.

The Catholic Union has raised concerns that the 300-page document contained only one mention of faith groups, describing this as a missed opportunity.

In a letter to the Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove, the Catholic Union said it was disappointing to see one brief mention of faith groups in the White Paper, especially when his department leads on the Government's faith engagement work.

In the letter, the Catholic Union's Director, Nigel Parker, also called for an update on when the Government's Independent Faith Engagement Review will be published. The consultation closed in December 2020, and we are still waiting for the report to be published.

The Catholic Union raised this matter with Michael Gove in September last year and has expressed concern that the report may have become sidelined.

Catholic Union Director, Nigel Parker, commented: "We saw during the pandemic, just how important Catholic churches and charities were in getting support to those most in need. As we look to rebuild society after Covid, it's clear that faith groups have an important role to play.

"There is much to be welcomed in the White Paper. Efforts to secure a more even and fair distribution of investment and opportunities can only be a good thing. But the test will be in the delivery of these broad aims and objectives.

"It's extremely concerning that this flagship White Paper makes only a passing reference to faith groups. We have heard a lot of warm words from the Government about the work of faith groups, but we need to see that backed up with action. On the surface at least this appears to be a missed opportunity. The Catholic Union will continue to make the case for better working with faith groups, including on plans for levelling up."

More information on the Levelling Up White Paper can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/news/government-unveils-levelling-up-plan-that-will-transform-uk

For more information on the Independent Faith Engagement Review see: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/independent-faith-engagement-review-call-for-evidence

A full copy of the letter to Michael Gove can be found below:

Rt Hon Michael Gove MP
Secretary of State
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
2 Marsham Street
London, SW1P 4DF

Sent by email only.

02 March 2022

Dear Secretary of State

Re: Role of faith groups in levelling up

I'm writing to you following the publication of the Government's Levelling Up White Paper to highlight the importance of working with faith groups.

As you may know, the Catholic Union is a membership organisation, which represents the views and interests of 4.5 million Catholics in Britain.

There is much in the White Paper to welcome, and the Catholic Union certainly supports the overall objectives of helping people live longer and more fulfilled lives and raising living standards and well-being across the United Kingdom.

As you mention in your foreword to the White Paper, the objectives of levelling up are not just social and economic, there is a moral dimension to this work as well.

The Catholic Church, and faith groups in general, have the potential to contribute a great deal to levelling up - indeed faith groups are critical to much of what the Government is seeking to achieve.

It was therefore disappointing to see just one brief mention of faith groups in the Levelling Up White Paper, especially as your Department leads on the Government's faith engagement work.

I wrote to you on 21 September last year to welcome your appointment as Secretary of State and ask for an update on when the Government's Independent Faith Engagement Review would be published.

The Levelling Up White Paper would have been a good opportunity to have taken forward recommendations from this review for improving engagement with faith groups. I hope this work has not become side-lined, a concern which I raised in my letter to you last year.

I would welcome an opportunity to discuss how faith groups can contribute the Government's levelling up agenda if this would be helpful.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Nigel Parker

Director, The Catholic Union of Great Britain