The scheme is part of the Government’s Hate Crime Action Plan. The scheme is intended to reduce the risk and impact of hate crime at places of worship and associated faith community centres. Funding is available for protective security measures to places of worship that have been subject to, or are vulnerable to a hate crime attack.
Hate crimes are any crimes motivated by hostility on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity. This scheme is focusing on religion.
Mosques and associated faith community centres from across the UK can apply.
To be eligible, applicants must be registered charities, charities or places of worship exempt from registration, or eligible Community Interest Companies (CICs).
Applicants should apply if they:
- Have experienced hate crime at their place of worship, or
- Feel their place of worship is vulnerable to hate crime; for example, if hate crime has happened at other places of worship or sites in their community, or if people attending their place of worship have experienced hate crime in the local area.
The funding can cover the costs 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)
Applicants do not need to choose what they would like to apply for in advance. If successful, a survey will be carried out at the place of worship. During this survey, the most appropriate measures for the site will be discussed.
The funding only covers the provision and installation of these security measures. It does not cover other associated costs such as licensing and planning permission, or ongoing costs such as charges for annual service, maintenance and monitoring.
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.
Applications are currently being accepted.
Full details of the scheme and the online application form can be found on the GOV.UK website.
