Churches that are vulnerable to hate crime now have another three weeks to apply for Government funding to install security measures.
The Home Office has extended the application window of its annual Places of Worship Protective Security Funding scheme by three weeks until Tuesday, September 5.
Diocesan Stewardship Officer Janet Edmond commented: “Although this fund talks about hate crime, this may also include some anti-social behaviour that churches are experiencing.
“The key thing would be to gather as much evidence as you can regarding the problems you are facing to include with your application and let the Home Office assess consider whether you would be eligible for the funding”
“I also advise attending a free webinar here on Monday, August 21 to find out more and ask questions as to your eligibility,” Janet said.
Churches can apply for funding to cover the costs of security measures for their buildings from the following list:
• CCTV (fixed cameras, not pan-tilt cameras)
• Fencing and/or railings (no more than 2.1m high)
• Manually operated pedestrian and vehicle gates
• Door hardening, locks and mail box/mail bag
• Reinforcing single glazed windows (with anti-shatter film or bars/grilles only)
• Intruder alarms including integrated smoke/heat detection
• Door entry access control (fob or keypad)
• Video intercom systems
• Lighting (building mounted).
Applicants do not need to choose what they would like to apply for in advance, nor have faculty permission already in place. If successful, a survey will be carried out at the place of worship. During this survey, the most appropriate measures for the site will be discussed.
Funding is available at the discretion of the Home Office.