LGA submission to Commission for Countering Extremism’s call for evidence

This submission has been drafted with the support of the Special Interest Group on Countering Extremism (SIGCE), a local authority network established to provide support and develop and share good practice on countering extremism across England and Wales, co-chaired by Luton and Leeds councils and partnered by the LGA, and the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations at Coventry University.


Key points

  • Councils have a core role to play in countering extremism and building cohesive and resilient communities. Working together with communities and partner agencies, councils are best placed to understand the complexities of local issues and what works in response.
  • Extremism can have a huge impact on local areas and no areas are immune from its effects. The threats from extremism are constantly changing, presenting new and evolving challenges for local authorities. Understanding, responding and building resilience to extremism requires a dynamic, joined-up and long-term approach, both at local and national levels.
  • Councils continue to face significant funding challenges which have impacted on their work, both directly and indirectly, to counter extremism and foster cohesion. It must be ensured that local areas are adequately resourced and supported to respond to extremist incidents and threats, and build resilience.

Download the full submission

LGA submission to Commission for Countering Extremism’s call for evidence