Letter from the Home Secretary to the Permanent Secretary: Jewish Community Protective Security Grant (accessible)
Published 29 February 2024
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Home Secretary
2 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DF
Sir Matthew Rycroft KCMG CBE
Permanent Secretary, Home Office
By email only
28 February 2024
Dear Matthew,
Jewish Community Protective Security Grant
Thank for your letter of 28 February and your assessment, as the responsible Accounting Officer, on the continuation of the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant (JCPSG) to the Community Security Trust (CST).
Since I began as Home Secretary, we have worked, and continue to work, collaboratively in response to the terrible events of 7 October. Given the subsequent increased threat to our Jewish community, we have an obligation to provide continued support and reassurance through initiatives such as the JCPSG. Such a commitment allows our Jewish communities to carry on with their lives in confidence that arrangements already in place, and which they rely on, will not suddenly be taken away.
CST have a unique and trusted relationship with the Jewish community that they have established over a number of years. I believe that they are the best-placed organisation to deliver security to the community.
That is why a three-year extension of the JCPSG grant to the Community Security Trust is so important. Given the appalling rise in the number of antisemitic incidents since 7 October, I do not envisage that the current, enhanced risk, is going to subside in the near future. This is not the right time to trigger a potential change in supplier.
Given this, as Home Secretary I feel it is my responsibility to ensure the continued provision of the arrangements in place with the CST. I am, however, fully cognisant of your responsibilities as the Department’s Accounting Officer and recognise the framework which informs your assessment of the technical considerations on the propriety and value for money of extending the grant for a further three years via a direct award.
In my view it is crucial we provide a long-standing commitment to the Jewish community on this issue, to enable effective security arrangements to be made for the future. I am therefore formally directing you, as Accounting Officer, to take forward this three-year extension in addition to the extension already agreed for financial year 24/25. I ask that you manage the risks identified as best you can, and I am grateful for the work of officials on this and the broader response to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
I understand that you will share relevant papers with the Comptroller and Auditor General (who will inform the Public Accounts Committee) and the Treasury Officer of Accounts as soon as practically possible.
Yours sincerely,
Rt Hon James Cleverly MP
Home Secretary