The Government provides this fund as part of its plan to tackle the increasing number of hate crimes directed at religious buildings.
Set up in 2016, the Home Office’s Places of Worship Security Scheme offers grants to places of worship in England and Wales for the provision and installation of up to three security measures from the following list:
- CCTV (fixed cameras, not pan-tilt cameras)
- Fencing and/or railings (no more than 2.1m high)
- Manually operated pedestrian and vehicle gates
- Door hardening, locks and mail box/mail bag
- Reinforcing single glazed windows (with anti-shatter film or bars/grilles only)
- Intruder alarms including integrated smoke/heat detection
- Door entry access control (fob or keypad)
- Video intercom systems
- Lighting (building mounted)
This financial year (2022/2023) mosques and associated faith community centres can also apply for some security guarding services, where they feel security guards will improve the safety of their site and those worshipping there. Applicants should note that guarding services will not be available until later in the year.
The scheme is open to all faiths, except the Jewish community. This is because a separate funding scheme is available to provide security measures at certain Jewish faith institutions.
Grant sizes are at the discretion of the Home Office.
The deadline to apply is 11.59pm on 14 July 2022.
How To Apply
Applications will close at 11.59pm on 14 July 2022, for notifications in October 2022.
Full details of the scheme and the online application form can be found on the GOV.UK website.