Choral Music Cathedrals 2024-01-11
2024-01-11
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
During the pandemic, there was a concern about the impact on cathedral choirs and their ability to continue performing.
Whether the Commissioners are taking steps to support choral music in cathedrals during the pandemic.
The Church Commissioners provided £1 million to support music in cathedrals during the pandemic, which was match funded by the Cathedral Music Trust. The commissioners are extremely grateful to the trust for helping ensure that worship in our cathedrals remains of the highest calibre.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Cathedral schools like Lichfield Cathedral School play a crucial role in providing choristers for cathedrals but are facing financial difficulties due to potential increases in fees and loss of charitable status.
My hon. Friend will know that cathedral schools, such as Lichfield Cathedral School, play an important part in providing young choristers for cathedrals, but they are very concerned that if they have to charge 20% on their fees, and possibly lose their charitable status, they may no longer be viable and will go bust. What assessment have the commissioners made of the effects of such a change?
There is concern that cathedral schools may not be able to afford to pay business rates. If the payment of business rates and the addition of VAT on fees cause choir schools to close, that would be an issue for a number of cathedrals.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assessment details or commitments were not provided regarding the effects of increased fees and loss of charitable status.
Under Review
Response accuracy