Update on Commission's ongoing inquiry into Islamic Centre of England Limited
Regulator confirms the charity is closed due to ongoing problems around its insurance cover.
Update, 27 July 2023: Since the original publication of this statement, the Islamic Centre of England has reopened, after the IM and trustees secured the necessary insurance cover.
The Charity Commission has confirmed that the ongoing temporary closure of the Islamic Centre of England’s premises in London results from problems in securing the necessary insurance to enable the Mosque to be reopened for public use.
Since being appointed as Interim Manager (IM), Emma Moody of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP has worked hard with the trustees to secure the necessary insurance for the charity so that it can reopen the Mosque to worshippers, and this process is ongoing.
The insurance problems predate the IM’s appointment. The trustees were aware from April 2023 that the charity’s then insurers had decided not to renew some of its insurance policies. They therefore decided to temporarily cease some of the charity’s activities. The IM was appointed on 4 May 2023. On 23 May 2023, in consultation with the IM, the trustees took the difficult decision to temporarily close the Mosque.
The Commission is aware of various reports and allegations relating to the causes of the temporary closure of the charity’s premises. Until insurance policies are secured, it is not legal for the charity to reopen for public use. Suggestions that the temporary closure resulted from factors other than the insurance matter are entirely false and misleading.
The Commission’s statutory inquiry into the charity is ongoing. The scope of the inquiry can be viewed here.
The regulator will publish a report setting out its findings on conclusion of the investigation. Reports of previous inquiries are available on GOV.UK.
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Notes to editors
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Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk
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- The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its purpose is to ensure charity can thrive and inspire trust so that people can improve lives and strengthen society.
- The Commission’s inquiry into Islamic Centre of England opened on 14 November 2022. The IM was appointed on 4 May 2023.
Last updated 31 July 2023 + show all updates
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This statement has been updated to note that the Islamic Centre of England has re-opened.
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First published.