As the recent attacks on Romanian gypsies in Northern Ireland clearly showed, harsh economic times can breed resentment against certain groups who are perceived to be receiving preferential treatment in the allocation of public resources such as housing.

So while funding for schemes to promote balanced and mixed communities is likely to be extremely tight for the foreseeable future, we must continue our efforts to forge better relations between residents on an estate or within the same community.

As always, leadership at a political, institutional and community level is critical - as is the engagement of local people - to define what happens, how and where. But it is important that any work designed to improve cohesion is not overtly manufactured, particularly if trust in public institutions is low. This does not mean that nothing can or should be done. Rather, cohesion programmes should be developed collaboratively across the public, private and voluntary sectors to focus on supporting the conditions where meaningful interaction in local areas can occur and define the role they can play, both individually and collectively.

Shared community spaces, such as parks, community centres and recreational facilities, if managed effectively can become centres of community activity. If we want people to come together, it is logical for us to be mindful of where and how such interaction could occur and provide the necessary social infrastructure.

The design of our housing and public spaces should take this into account. But we must go further, and agree a strategy on the long-term stewardship of place to make sure that community facilities are accessible, maintained and fulfil their intended purpose of being a real community asset.

Research undertaken for the Homes and Communities Agency Academy last year by the Institute for Community Cohesion shows that some professions promote cohesion better than others. While housing came out of the study reasonably well, it is vital that cohesion is seen as an issue for everyone in an organisation, not just ‘expert’ individuals.

The HCA Academy plans to develop a generic skill in cohesion as part of the occupational standards for practitioners in the sustainable communities sector. There will be new learning programmes based on cohesion and empowerment and we will explore career opportunities for residents.

Most people would agree that in an economic downturn the pressures on cohesion will only increase. Projects should not be jettisoned because of funding shortages. They must remain on course until the economy recovers.

That depends on individuals and organisations demonstrating their firm commitment to building more cohesive places - regardless of how tough the going gets in the months ahead.

Dr Gill Taylor is chief executive of the Homes and Communities Agency Academy

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