Historic Places of Worship 2024-11-28
2024-11-28
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Church Commissioners are responsible for restoring parish churches and cathedrals. There is a concern about the backlog of works needed.
What progress the Church Commissioners have made on reducing the backlog of works to restore parish churches and cathedrals?
The national Church institutions have invested £11 million in the Buildings for Mission fund, which provides money for repairs, specialist advice and grants to parishes of up to £12,000 for small-scale urgent work. The fund can also be used to pay for essential improvements such as disability access, toilets or a community kitchen.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not address the specific backlog reduction progress.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
St John's church in Bromsgrove has had to raise hundreds of thousands for the upkeep and maintenance of its spire. The listed places of worship grant scheme is key to preserving such churches.
What conversations have taken place between the Government and the Church regarding the preservation of that scheme?
St John's church in Bromsgrove is a perfect example because, having raised the funds, it is preparing to undertake urgent work to its spire, with an anticipated project cost of roughly £452,000. The scheme has paid out £317 million since 2001 and assisted over 13,000 places. It currently receives around 7,000 applications per annum and has a budget of £42 million.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not address conversations with the Government about preserving the scheme.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
St Andrew's parish church and Holy Trinity church in Kettering are both listed buildings that provide vital community services. The listed places of worship grant scheme is due to expire next year, causing uncertainty.
Will my hon. Friend join me in thanking the many churches across the UK for the work they do? What plans are there for the future of the scheme?
My hon. Friend is a strong advocate for churches in her constituency. I am pleased to hear that St Andrew's church is upgrading its heating system and could benefit from some funding through the listed places of worship grant scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not provide plans or commitments regarding the future of the scheme.
Response accuracy