Last year, the Government announced a Hate Crime Action Plan until 2020 to tackle the rise in hate crime in England and Wales.

A £2.4 million funding scheme was launched to provide security measures and equipment for vulnerable places of worship that need increased protection. churches, gurdwaras, temples and mosques were asked to bid under the scheme.

It excluded synagogues as the Jewish community was exempt because of a separate commitment for funds paid through a grant administered by the Community Security Trust (CST).

Bids were opened in April for two months this year with outcomes announced in August.

But as we report in The Muslim News, the number of hate crimes directed against mosques more than doubled again between March and July according to the Press Association.

Fears are that the funding will be totally inadequate due to the surge in attacks and community leaders are appealing for increased security funding. The amount is dwarfed by the £13 million received by the CST for a much smaller community.

The ball in is the Government’s court to extend its commitment to all religions.