- June 16, 2022
- Posted by: Sahrish Khan
- Categories: Security, Leadership, News, Politics
Faith Associates successfully hosted the UK Home Office Briefing Event covering the Places of Worship Security Funding Scheme on the 14th of June, 2022, at The Law Society, London. The event was delivered in partnership with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). In attendance were various Mosque leaders, Muslim faith institution management, Muslim school leadership and local community members.
The briefing event for the Places of Worship Security Funding Scheme covered a range of areas and topics related to security and hate crimes as delivered by funders & MOPAC experts. There were also detailed presentations looking at the criteria for Funding applications, the timeline and the processes involved. These presentations and subsequent seminar discussions initiated a constructive two-way dialogue between the leadership of Mosques and Muslim Schools and the funders, as all attendees got the chance to have their questions and concerns answered by Home Office officials present at the event.
It is for the first time since its inception that Mosques and Muslim faith schools have been given access to £24.5 million for security measures to protect their places of worship and schools under the Places of Worship Security Funding Scheme 2022-23. As part of this increased package, the government is also introducing a new scheme for Muslim faith schools to provide additional protection that will be rolled out later in the year.
Muslims continue to experience an increased threat of hate crime. In 2020/2021, 45% of religious hate crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales were targeted against Muslims. This is why the Home Office has issued the revised scheme so that Muslim places of worship can bid for funding to put in place security measures to help tackle this threat. The funding could include the installation of CCTV cameras and perimeter fencing to ensure that adequate measures are in place to protect worshippers. Muslims will be also able to register their interest in security guarding services at mosques, to ensure that their communities can worship safely and without fear.
Further details of the funding scheme and how to apply are provided via this link. Applications can be made until 23:59 on 28th July 2022. All places of worship who feel they are vulnerable to hate crime are encouraged to apply.
View the presentation on the details of the scheme below:
2022 POW Y7 Scheme Presentation Final
Some key moments from the Event are shared below:
