Places of worship in England and Wales are able to apply for funding for extra security against hate crimes through the Government and SSAIB-registered firms are on hand to help complete the work.
Churches, gurdwaras, mosques and temples that have been subjected to – or are vulnerable to - hate crimes motivated by racial prejudice or hostility will be able to apply for funds through the Government Hate Crime Action Plan, which will help provide added security measures to deter any future incidents of this kind from occurring.
However, these places of worship would need to contribute 20% of the total costs themselves and the Government will only accept bids for this security funding scheme until 5pm on May 29 2017.
As part of the guidelines for funding, the security work must be carried out by a company that has accreditation from a certification body like the SSAIB. Click here to find a SSAIB-registered firm in your area.
Funding must be used for security equipment – such as, but not limited to; CCTV, perimeter fencing, window locks, intruder alarms, security doors, external lighting and access control gates – and cannot be put towards the cost of hiring security personnel. The amount paid out by the Government would also include the cost to install the security equipment, but the applicants will receive no financial help with any service charges, maintenance or one-off connection or monitoring fees.
Please note that the Jewish community is not eligible for this scheme – as the Community Security Trust offer a similar commitment to fund Jewish community sites through grants.
For more information on the Places of Worship: Security Funding Scheme and how to apply, go to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/places-of-worship-security-funding-scheme#approved-security-installation-companies