EXTREMIST charities abusing their status to spread hate could be closed down far faster under a government crackdown.
Ministers want to give a watchdog stronger powers to investigate and shut rogue organisations suspected of promoting extremism.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has ordered officials to work with the Charity Commission to speed up probes and enforcement action.
The move comes amid fears some groups are exploiting charitable status to spread hatred while benefiting from public trust.
Ms Nandy said: “By giving the Charity Commission the teeth it needs to act fast and decisively, we will close the door on those who exploit charitable status to spread hate, and open a new chapter that gives the sector the protection it deserves.”
Under the plans, people convicted of hate crimes could be banned from serving as charity trustees or senior managers.
The Government will also consult on giving regulators stronger powers to disqualify individuals where there is evidence they have promoted violence or hatred.
Mandatory ID checks for trustees are also being considered to stop individuals hiding behind false identities.
Local authorities may also gain stronger powers to fine groups running unlicensed street fundraising operations.
The Charity Commission has opened more than 400 regulatory cases linked to hate speech since October 2023.
Around 70 of those have been referred to police where criminal offences may have been suspected.
A consultation on the proposals will launch shortly as part of wider plans to strengthen community cohesion due to be published today.
The strategy, called “Protecting What Matters”, includes new expectations on integration for those settling in the UK, including learning English.
The plan will also expand efforts to block extremist preachers entering Britain and introduce new measures to counter hate and radicalisation in universities.
