LGA Governance


Agenda item

Agenda item

Independent Review of Prevent

Minutes:

The Chair reordered the agenda as one of the presenters was delayed. Rachel Duke, Adviser, introduced the item. 

 

Rachel explained that Lord Carlile is leading an independent review of Prevent, which is due to report to the Secretary of State in June 2020. A recent call for evidence was launched inviting responses around a number of themes. The paper to the Board explored some of the issues for local authorities in Prevent delivery and sought members’ views in order to inform the LGA’s submission. Rachel however pointed out that the appointment of Lord Carlile to lead the review was subject to a judicial review.

 

The following comments were made:

 

Members asked how the judicial review would impact on the timing of the Review. Rachel explained the timing of the Review had been set out in legislation and if there was a delay either the legislation would have to be changed or the review’s timetable would be truncated.

 

Members agreed that some local areas and their authorities have been critical of the Prevent programme, but noted that it does help build resilience in communities and prevent radicalisation.  However, members around the table supported the programme, and commented that it is a powerful tool for local government to have at its disposal.  Members agreed the work is both critical and essential. 

 

Members discussed the 40 priority areas and sharing best practices for all of local government.  However, members also commented that the Home Office (HO) needs to provide further support to councils – particularly those authorities who want to engage with the programme but are worried around their reputation.  Members also discussed the need to engage with local critical voices of the programme.  The Chair supported these points, and stated that some local authorities are meeting resistance in their communities and therefore are not able to deliver the programme effectively, and so further government support and funding is needed for this.  The Chair also stated that further devolution in how Prevent is run is needed, given the variation in risk local areas face and how this is not a ’one-size-fits-all’’ issue. 

 

Discussion also highlighted the concerns the Government has over how funding for this work is spent, with no robust evidence over the allocation of funding or methodology of ring-fencing this funding. 

 

WRAP training, alongside education and preventative methods in schools was also discussed, as the programme provides an essential mechanism in identifying individuals likely to be radicalised.  Vice Chairman, Cllr Katrina Wood highlighted the good work her own authority Wycombe had undertaken.

 

Members also discussed how Prevent peers require further support, including partnership working, and noted that this work does not seem to be on the Police & Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) agendas.  

 

Decision

 

1.    The Board considered the issues raised in the paper.

2.    The final submission to the Review to be signed off by the Board’s Lead Members.

Supporting documents: