To: Council and social landlords
Rent Relief for Places of Worship, Faith and Community Centres*
We the undersigned call upon the Tower Hamlets Council to grant all local authority and housing association mosques; all relevant places and centres of worship and faith; and community centres to provide immediate rent-relief during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic - for a minimum of 3 months. This only applies to places that are managed or controlled by the Council or Housing Association on which the Council and decision-makers sit or have considerable influence.
Why is this important?
Following the Government advice, all masjids and other faith-building and community centres are closed due to COVID-19 to help stop the spread of the contagion in the community and society at large; support social distancing for medical reasons; and to make all necessary efforts to safeguard people; flatten the curve and fight this virus.
Most local community masjids and other faith buildings rely on voluntary donations from the regular congregation and attendees to survive and carry on – obviously, that is not possible in the current circumstances. These places not only help the community regardless of circumstances and challenges but also provide a place of comfort, solace but also supporting the wellbeing and welfare of its attendees. Under the COVID-19 challenge, places of worship are under increasing pressure to support the vulnerable in their locality and beyond. The rent-relief, only for the duration of this pandemic, a national emergency, will help the places of worship, faith and community centres.
We urge the Council and decision-makers to support these local places in Tower Hamlets - and other local authorities across the country to follow this course of action urgently. We must bring everyone together and do whatever is necessary to support the community, support the vulnerable and fight the COVID-19 virus.
