Funding to protect places of worship from hate crime

The latest round of the Government’s Protective Security Funding Scheme is now open. The scheme provides funding for protective security measures to places of worship and associated faith-based community centres that are vulnerable to hate crime.

The 2020 scheme has been designed in accordance with government advice on COVID-19. The application process has been changed to allow the scheme to launch without applicants needing to attend their place of worship or engage Designing Out Crime Officers to undertake site assessments at this point in time. Due to the impact of Covid-19, both the process and timetable must remain flexible – and is subject to change. Applicants are asked to read the guidance thoroughly before making an application and to check regularly for updates to the scheme. The final date for application for funding is Sunday 9 August 2020.
Applicants can submit bids for up to three protective security measures. They are required to contribute 20% of the total cost of the security measures. The maximum government funding available to any place of worship or associated faith-based community centre is £56,000. The funding is not applicable for supporting general building improvements, security upgrades or measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, lead theft, or other criminality unconnected with hate crime. Living accommodation, educational facilities, and other separate buildings not used for regular worship, are not covered by the scheme.

The security equipment being covered by this funding scheme includes CCTV, fencing and/or railings, manually operated pedestrian and vehicle gates, automated vehicle gates, security doors and locks, reinforcing single glazed windows, intruder alarms, access control, video intercom systems and lighting. Funding under this scheme only covers the provision and installation of these security measures. It does not cover other associated costs such as licensing, planning permission, listed building consent or ongoing costs such as charges for annual service, maintenance and monitoring.

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