- April 29, 2019
- Posted by: Faith Associates
- Category: Uncategorized
The Home Office announced on 19 April 2019 that religious organisations will be able to register their interest for the latest round of the Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme and submit applications from July 2019.
The increased investment and planned improvements to the scheme were originally announced in the wake of the horrific Christchurch mosque attacks which claimed the lives of 50 people. The government recognises that Muslim communities remain anxious following these horrendous attacks, and particularly in advance of Ramadan. The police and their partners are doing everything they can to ensure the safety of the public, particularly around religious festivals, and holy days. This will include operational policing plans for the Ramadan period.
In addition, the Home Office will be supporting us at Faith Associates to provide security training and advice to Muslim places of worship in preparation for the Islamic holy month. This work will provide security training and advice through 12 safety and security workshops across England and Wales, as well as guidance and leaflets circulated to mosques, community centres and madrassahs, to protect places of worship from hate crime attacks.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid said:
“In the coming days and weeks, millions of people from different faiths will be marking religious festivals up and down the UK. At this time of reflection, devotion and celebration, it’s vital everyone feels safe and protected in the places of worship they attend. That is why we’ve invested another £1.6 million into our Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme and are encouraging religious organisations to apply.”
Minister for Counter Extremism Baroness Williams said:
“No one should be abused or attacked, because of their faith. The government is committed to not only pursuing perpetrators of these horrendous crimes but also protecting victims. The hate crime action plan, refreshed in 2018, commits to providing the places of worship scheme, as well as funding community-led projects to tackle hate crime and increase reporting of these crimes”
This year, the scheme will not only provide up to £1.6 million of funding but will also be easier than ever to apply for. Instead of applicants having to find their own costs for security work to be done, those applying after July will benefit from having a central provider for assessments, quotes and installation. This will save small and volunteer-run institutions significant amounts on administration costs.
For further information see: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/places-of-worship-scheme-open-for-expressions-of-interest-ahead-of-religious-holidays
