Council executive director answers questions on mosque IT funding

Date published: 14/04/2008

Due to the continuing controversy following the revelation that mosques have been funded to install IT equipment, Rochdale Online decided it was prudent to ask Rochdale Council to further clarify the source of funding. Andy Zuntz, Executive Director, Rochdale Council, has responded with a detailed explanation of the source of funding and the aims of the programme from where the funding came.

He said: "Community Interfaith IT & Key Skills Training project was supported by monies from the Government Preventing Violent Extremism Fund (PVE). PVE is a national government initiative to support 'priority' local authorities like Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council to take forward a programme of activities to tackle violent extremism at a local level.

"The aim of the programme is to build resilient communities and its strategic objectives set by the national Government are to encourage a situation in which Muslims in our communities: 

• Identify themselves as a welcome part of a wider British society and are accepted as such by the wider community.
• Reject violent extremist ideology and actively condemn violent extremism.
• Isolate violent extremist activity, and support and co-operate with the police and security services.
• Develop their own capacity to deal with problems where they arise and support diversionary activity for those at risk.

"Throughout the borough we are using the PVE budget to address wider community safety issues and support community capacity building programmes that contribute to cohesive societies. We have consulted partners to develop ideas that help us to support the national objectives and also meet local needs.

"Central Alquba Mosque & Islamic Centre of Rochdale put forward a proposal on behalf of other mosques following an open invitation to agencies and organisations across the Borough by the LSP Community Cohesion Sub-group in October 2007. The project aimed at building the capacity of Muslim organisations, improving their facilities and making them accessible to the wider community. It was also aimed at providing education about Islam and promoting understanding of the benefits that Muslims have brought to local areas.

"The funding decisions were taken by the Community Cohesion Commissioning Sub-group. The Community Cohesion Sub-group is a sub-group of the LSP.

"The Community Cohesion and PVE agendas are really important and we are keen to promote debate around the central issues of belonging, respect, opportunity and being valued."