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Terror intelligence 'not shared' Terror intelligence 'not shared'
(about 19 hours later)
Important anti-terrorism information has been kept from two thirds of police and council chiefs, according to an official leaked report.Important anti-terrorism information has been kept from two thirds of police and council chiefs, according to an official leaked report.
It contains the results of an inquiry into the £86m government Pathfinder scheme tackling extremism.It contains the results of an inquiry into the £86m government Pathfinder scheme tackling extremism.
The scheme provides funds to councils for specific projects designed to steer people away from militant groups.The scheme provides funds to councils for specific projects designed to steer people away from militant groups.
Communities secretary Hazel Blears said it was essential communication between the various authorities improved.Communities secretary Hazel Blears said it was essential communication between the various authorities improved.
The report, entitled Preventing Violent Extremism: Learning and Development Exercises, was commissioned by Mrs Blears earlier this year.The report, entitled Preventing Violent Extremism: Learning and Development Exercises, was commissioned by Mrs Blears earlier this year.
The research was carried out by the Audit Commission and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.The research was carried out by the Audit Commission and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.
It was leaked to the Guardian and published on Saturday.It was leaked to the Guardian and published on Saturday.
DistrustDistrust
The document, which was due to be released on Monday, suggests the failure to share counter-terrorism intelligence is hampering the Pathfinder programme.The document, which was due to be released on Monday, suggests the failure to share counter-terrorism intelligence is hampering the Pathfinder programme.
Councils were given funds to pay for projects designed to increase contacts between different ethnic and faith communities and prevent young people from joining extremist organisations.Councils were given funds to pay for projects designed to increase contacts between different ethnic and faith communities and prevent young people from joining extremist organisations.
But the report warns there is a lack of trust between the authorities.But the report warns there is a lack of trust between the authorities.
Seventy councils have received £6m in pathfinder funding since the scheme was launched in April 2007.Seventy councils have received £6m in pathfinder funding since the scheme was launched in April 2007.
A further £45m is expected to be spent on expanding the programme in the next three years.A further £45m is expected to be spent on expanding the programme in the next three years.
The report examines the progress of the scheme in 14 areas, including many that have experienced the impact of violent extremism first-hand.The report examines the progress of the scheme in 14 areas, including many that have experienced the impact of violent extremism first-hand.
According to the report, just one-third of the chief executives and local police commanders who were interviewed did not have access to, or were not briefed on, terrorism data in their area. According to the report, one-third of chief executives and local police commanders interviewed did not have access to, or were not briefed on, terrorism data in their area, while two thirds were not entrusted with security information.
Two thirds were not entrusted with security information which affected their ability to identify vulnerable people and communities.
Inspectors assessed local schemes against four key criteria. These were:Inspectors assessed local schemes against four key criteria. These were:
  • Information sharing
  • Understanding the risk
  • Effective partnership working
  • Assessing success
  • Information sharing
  • Understanding the risk
  • Effective partnership working
  • Assessing success
The report states: "Whilst it is vital assurances are sought about who has access to restricted information, councils already routinely handle sensitive information on a range of areas and the same trusting, business-like relationships need to be developed on this agenda as others."The report states: "Whilst it is vital assurances are sought about who has access to restricted information, councils already routinely handle sensitive information on a range of areas and the same trusting, business-like relationships need to be developed on this agenda as others."
But it also indicates there are a small number of councils and police forces which have built up strong relationships and links with Muslim communities and had a great deal of experience in dealing with extremism.But it also indicates there are a small number of councils and police forces which have built up strong relationships and links with Muslim communities and had a great deal of experience in dealing with extremism.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said the report highlighted "excellent work" and suggested local communities were becoming more confident about tackling the issue. There are lessons for all of us, central and local government, police and security services and community groups and this report will help us learn them Hazel BlearsCommunities secretaryA spokeswoman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said the report highlighted "excellent work" and suggested local communities were becoming more confident about tackling the issue. There are lessons for all of us, central and local government, police and security services and community groups and this report will help us learn them Hazel BlearsCommunities secretary
But she admitted the report said progress was too "patchy" and more needed to be done.But she admitted the report said progress was too "patchy" and more needed to be done.
She claimed it found that when people were directly affected by the issue, they were more likely to become involved with trying to prevent it from happening again.She claimed it found that when people were directly affected by the issue, they were more likely to become involved with trying to prevent it from happening again.
It recommends that faith leaders and trusted community figures to be involved in the scheme.It recommends that faith leaders and trusted community figures to be involved in the scheme.
Mrs Blears said that a "wait and see approach" was not an option when it came to preventing violent extremism.Mrs Blears said that a "wait and see approach" was not an option when it came to preventing violent extremism.
She said: "When it is up close it soon becomes clear that tackling extremism is about much more than community cohesion, that trust and partnership is key and that shying away from an agenda that we all know presents challenges and difficulties is simply not an option.She said: "When it is up close it soon becomes clear that tackling extremism is about much more than community cohesion, that trust and partnership is key and that shying away from an agenda that we all know presents challenges and difficulties is simply not an option.
"But preventing extremism is about just that. Not waiting for the worst to happen, but stopping it happening in the first place. Everyone needs to up their game, learn the lessons of what works, and quickly."But preventing extremism is about just that. Not waiting for the worst to happen, but stopping it happening in the first place. Everyone needs to up their game, learn the lessons of what works, and quickly.
"I am confident that local responses alongside tough security measures remain the best way to tackle this issue and work will continue. There are lessons for all of us, central and local government, police and security services and community groups and this report will help us learn them."I am confident that local responses alongside tough security measures remain the best way to tackle this issue and work will continue. There are lessons for all of us, central and local government, police and security services and community groups and this report will help us learn them.
The spokeswoman said steps had already been taken to address some of the issues raised in the report.The spokeswoman said steps had already been taken to address some of the issues raised in the report.