Role of Local Authorities in Tackling Extremism

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Published: 20 October 2006

Role of Local Authorities in Tackling Extremism

Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has asked local authorities across the country to step up their efforts to work in partnership with Muslim communities to tackle extremism.

Ms Kelly met chief executives of local authorities as well as Police and Government office representatives in central London, and told the meeting that extremism is not just a problem for Muslim communities - it is an issue for all of us and we must all play our part in responding to it.

In the first in a long-term programme of meetings with a range of local authorities, key & challenging issues were discussed including:

· Do local authorities have an understanding of which sections of their communities might be vulnerable to extremism?

· Are local authorities working with the right partners to tackle extremism?

· Do local authorities support innovative and credible organisations who are tackling ideologies - including local youth organisations, and community and third sector organisations?

Ruth Kelly said:

"Extremism is not just a problem for Muslim communities it is an issue for all of us and we must all play our part in responding to it.

We have a shared responsibility and must all raise our efforts to a new level - central Government, local Government, community organisations and individual communities themselves."

As I made clear in my speech last week, the Government is absolutely committed to working with those Muslim organisations demonstrating a genuine commitment to tackling extremism.

I am determined to raise to a new level our partnership with these Muslim organisations who are showing real leadership on these issues. We will provide them more support."

The Minister claimed that a number of local authorities are already playing major roles in the fight against extremists.

For example, since July 7, some authorities such as Dudley have set up Forums against Extremism, which look at how to tackle Islamist extremism and promote better understanding of Islam.

Dudley launched their forum in July, with the Green Light Muslim Youth forum facilitating an event with 160 people, supported by key local partners including the Local Authority, Police and education representatives.

Other positive schemes launched by local authorities include:-

· education programmes which promote shared values like a rejection of violence

· events that open up Mosques to other communities to promote wider understanding

· diversionary programmes to divert young people from the threat of radicalisation

Further information

DCLG – Community Cohesion

Community Cohesion: SEVEN STEPS - A Practitioner's Toolkit

Commission on Integration and Cohesion

Race, cohesion and faith

Preventing Extremism Together

IDEA Equality & Diversity

LGA: Share of the action: how community leaders can get involved in the shared priorities