A “broad and joined-up approach” is required to stop terrorism, the LGA has said, following a review of Prevent, a programme designed to stop people from being radicalised.
Following publication of the Independent Review of Prevent, Home Secretary Suella Braverman has pledged to overhaul the programme, and act on the review’s 34 recommendations. It warned the threat from terrorism is becoming more complex, with the extreme right becoming an increasing concern, but that Islamist terrorism remains the primary and deadliest threat in the UK.
Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “As this report acknowledges, councils play an important role in preventing radicalisation and tackling extremism. However, the removal of funding for councils’ counter-extremism work, budgetary pressures on all council services, and long-standing uncertainties about how national policy on extremist threats will change has had a significant impact on what councils are able to achieve.
“We have long argued that stopping terrorism requires a broad and joined-up approach. Investing in a long-term approach – which includes a multi-agency support offer for those at risk – is vital in addressing some of the wider issues that may create tensions in our communities and contribute to individuals becoming radicalised.”
She added: “The Government should commit to continued investment in the Prevent and wider counter-extremism space, including providing resources for local training and funding for the Special Interest Group on Countering Extremism, and provide clarity on the provision of funding for Prevent and wider interventions in the coming years.”