Why did the Charity Commission merge Dudley Central Mosque?

The Charity Commission merged Dudley Central Mosque with another charity to resolve long-standing disputes and regulatory concerns over its management.

What is the significance of the mosque merger decision?

This mosque merger is significant as it's an extremely rare use of powers by the Charity Commission, not seen in over two decades.

When were the inquiries into the West Midlands mosques launched?

Inquiries into Dudley Central Mosque and Muslim Community Centre were launched in July 2022, and into Muslim Community Centre and Mosque 1977 in April 2025.

Home / Business and Economy / Charity Commission Merges Mosques After 20-Year Hiatus

Charity Commission Merges Mosques After 20-Year Hiatus

21 Jan

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Summary

Two West Midlands charities ordered to merge by Charity Commission.
Commission uses rare powers not seen in over two decades.
Merger follows years of regulatory concerns and disputes.

Charity Commission Merges Mosques After 20-Year Hiatus

In an extremely rare intervention, the Charity Commission has mandated the merger of two West Midlands charities: Dudley Central Mosque and Muslim Community Centre, and The Muslim Community Centre and Mosque 1977. This action, unprecedented in over 20 years, addresses prolonged regulatory concerns and disputes over the management of Dudley Central Mosque.

A new governing document has been established to combine the charities, which have complex structures. This aims to ensure effective operation and compliance with charity law, providing a transparent pathway for community involvement.

Inquiries were launched into both organisations in July 2022 and April 2025 due to failures in accounting requirements and risks to charity property stemming from their dispute. Previous attempts to mediate and establish clear trustees since 2018 had not resolved governance issues.