Charity Commission to receive stronger powers to tackle extremism

The Government will introduce tough new laws to investigate charities which are suspected of misappropriating funds for extremist causes.

Increasing the Charity Commission’s current powers was one of several measures outlined in the Counter-Extremism Bill in June.

Prime Minister David Cameron said the legislation, which is being debated by the UK’s National Security Council, would “make it much harder for people to promote dangerous extremist views in our communities.”

The proposals have nonetheless attracted criticism from some civil liberties campaigners, who fear that a heavy-handed approach may reduce freedom of speech.

The Charity Commission has said it is important that steps are in place to prevent charities being abused by those who seek to promote terrorist ideologies – through literature, charitable events or social media.

A spokesman said: “We have actively contributed to the development of the Government’s extremism strategy, alongside many other government departments and stakeholders and will continue contribute to the Extremism Task Force on the implementation of the strategy.”

For advice on charitable trusts, governance, compliance and trustees contact Tony Millson.