Call for Evidence: Inquiry into the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme
DEADLINE: 22ND NOVEMBER 2026
Recent reporting has raised concerns that some mosques across the UK are spending significant portions of their limited budgets on security while struggling to access support through the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme. This has included reports of lengthy delays, unclear communication and security provision that does not always meet the needs of applicants.
The APPG on British Muslims welcomes evidence from mosques, Muslim faith schools, associated community centres and other organisations with relevant experience of or involvement in the scheme, including Muslim and faith-based organisations, local authorities, police services and community-safety bodies.
We welcome the Government’s decision to make up to £40 million available through the scheme in 2026-27. This is a positive and important commitment to protecting Muslim communities. Through this inquiry, we want to understand what is working well and where organisations are experiencing difficulties. We will consider how to improve the application and delivery process, so support reaches those who need it and available funding is used effectively.
The evidence received will inform an APPG report and practical recommendations to the Government.
Written evidence is invited in response to the following questions:
1. Are the scheme’s eligibility rules and application requirements clear, accessible and inclusive of the Muslim institutions requiring protection?
2. What prevents or discourages eligible mosques from applying, including any difficulties providing evidence of threats or hate crime?
3. What have applicants experienced from submission and due diligence checks through to site assessment, decision and installation?
4. Are applications processed within a reasonable timeframe, and are applicants given clear updates, points of contact and expected timescales?
5. How are urgent and high-risk cases prioritised, and is adequate temporary protection available while applications are pending?
6. Are the scheme’s assessment, due-diligence and code-of-conduct requirements clear, proportionate, and transparent?
7. Do the security measures and guarding provided reflect each mosque’s risks, building, activities and periods of heightened demand?
8. How effectively do approved suppliers, subcontractors and maintenance arrangements operate, and what costs or practical burdens remain with mosques?
9. Are the scheme’s funding, performance, decisions and use of contractors sufficiently transparent and accountable?
10. Based on your organisation’s experience or expertise, how effectively does the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme operate, and what changes would improve its accessibility, delivery and impact?
This call for evidence covers experiences of the Protective Security for Mosques Scheme across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Evidence submitted on behalf of a mosque must be authorised by its chairperson or another authorised trustee. Personal contact details will not be published. Please do not submit operational information that could expose security vulnerabilities.
If you are responding on behalf of an organisation eligible for support through the scheme (i.e. Mosque, Muslim Faith School), please complete our dedicated evidence form: https://forms.gle/KUotaqQzV8Br3XwF6
Other faith and community organisations and stakeholders, including local councils, police forces and Police and Crime Commissioners, may submit evidence by Sunday 22nd November via email to admin@appgbritishmuslims.org, with ‘Protective Security for Mosques Scheme Evidence’ in the subject line.