Faith communities across the UK are set to benefit from a record £73.4 million investment in protective security, as the government confirms funding levels for

2026–27 aimed at keeping places of worship and faith-based institutions safe.

The funding will support enhanced security at Jewish, Muslim and other faith sites, covering measures such as on-site security staff, CCTV, intruder alarms, fencing and floodlighting. Ministers say the move is designed to provide reassurance at a time when religious hate crime remains at historically high levels.

The largest share of the funding will be delivered through existing schemes. Up to £28.4 million will be available under the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant, administered by the Community Security Trust, to support synagogues, Jewish schools and community centres. A further £40 million will be allocated through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme, which assists mosques, Muslim schools and community facilities.

Eligible organisations can apply for support on a rolling basis directly through the Home Office.

The government has also confirmed increased support for other faith groups. The Places of Worship Protective Security Scheme, which covers non-Jewish and non-Muslim sites, will receive an additional £1.5 million. This brings total funding for Christian, Hindu, Sikh and other faith communities to a record £5 million, with the next application window due to open later this year.

The announcement follows a decision last October by the Prime Minister to increase funding for Jewish and Muslim protective security schemes by £10 million in 2025–26 in response to heightened threats. Today’s confirmation ensures those elevated funding levels will continue into the following year.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “Nobody should be forced to live a smaller life in this country because of their faith. 

The funding we have announced today will protect places of worship, faith-based schools and community centres across the country. 

This government will never tolerate religious hatred or intimidation”.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “We are ensuring record funding to protect faith communities all across the UK.

This goes further than cameras and alarms, it’s about restoring peace of mind and sending the message: religious persecution and intolerance has no place in Britain”.

The funding comes against a backdrop of rising concern over hate crime. Official figures for 2025 show religious hate crime in England and Wales at record levels, with Jewish people disproportionately affected and 45% of recorded incidents targeting Muslims. Separate data published recently by the Community Security Trust also recorded antisemitic incidents at their second-highest level since records began.

Alongside financial support, local police forces have increased patrols in areas deemed to be at risk, while additional powers and resources have been provided to help officers tackle repeat intimidating protests, investigate religious hate crimes and support communities who feel targeted.

Together, ministers say, these measures are intended to strengthen both physical security and public confidence for faith communities across the UK.  Photo by Steve Cadman, Wikimedia commons.