Following the appalling act of terrorism in Christchurch, New Zealand on 15 March, the Government has today announced a boost to funding for next year’s Places of Worship Protective Security Fund. It is set to be doubled to £1.6 million. The fund provides financial support to places of worship for the purchase of physical protective security measures such as fencing, lighting and access control. Alongside this, application processes and requirement will be made simpler, reducing the administrative burden and widening the criteria.
The Government has also recognised that physical security measures only go some way to securing communities. It has announced a new £5 million fund over 3 years to provide security training for Places of Worship. They will be closely working with communities and faith leaders to develop this new scheme.
Furthermore, there is a commitment to engage immediately with groups including the Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group, Tell MAMA and those representing other faiths to review what more can to be to protect faith institutions.
Mike Freer MP said, “I am extremely pleased to see this extra funding being put into security for places of worship. Following the appalling scenes in Christchurch, it is vital that we stand with faith groups and do all we can to ensure that everyone within our communities feels safe”
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