Community groups in Bradford have refused to join a Government-funded scheme to prevent violent Islamic extremism because it “victimises” Muslims, it has been claimed.

A report released today by think-tank the New Local Government Network (NLGN) criticises the flagship £45 million Preventing Violent Extremism programme because it alienates Muslims.

Instead the think-tank, run by former Shipley MP Chris Leslie, wants the scheme to focus on all extremism – including far-right activists – rather than focusing on Islamic communities.

The report’s author, Anna Turley, said reform of the scheme is “vital” to re-build confidence in local communities.

She said: “While Islamist extremism remains a very serious threat to our security, this kind of extremism is not the only threat to the stability and security of our communities.

“The Prevent programme undermines broader community cohesion objectives and lacks sufficient integration with police and security services at local and national level. Concern has also been acknowledged over the agenda’s impact on relations with Muslim communities and whether it unfairly stigmatises an entire community.”

A leading Bradford Muslim organisation has told the Telegraph & Argus that although grants for community projects is positive, some groups have refused to apply as that would be admitting that ‘extremism’ is an exclusively Muslim issue.

Nazim Ali, general secretary of the Naqshbandia Active Development Association, which campaigns for inter-faith understanding, said: “There have been those who have been aware of the fund but, because they feel passionate about not being stigmatised as extremists, have decided against applying for it.

“I think the Preventing Violent Extremism agenda was a failure from the start because of the sole focus on Islamic extremism. It is a loaded phrase, and people in Muslim communities recognise that, so there is always going to be a lack of support.”

The report calls for the Government to tackle all extremist ideologies, arguing the recent increase in far-right extremism is as much of a challenge for local councils, and for the Joint Intelligence Committee to have an expert on home-grown terrorism.

An NLGN spokesman said: “While it is too early to assess the success of the Prevent agenda, the lack of support from within the Muslim community, as well as the changing threat of wider extremist voices, mean that it is time to review whether the separation of the Preventing Violent Extremism approach from wider community cohesion approaches is still relevant.”

Selina Ullah, Bradford Council’s assistant director of Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “We would agree with this report’s suggestion that the money should be spent tackling all extremism in whatever form it may appear. We already work hard in Bradford to encourage better understanding and respect between our communities and our shared values. We believe this is one of the best ways to build a tolerant society in which extremism plays no part.”