Churches and Cathedrals Sustainability 2022-01-27
2022-01-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Church of England needs significant funds for maintaining churches and cathedrals, with a five-year estimate of £1.14 billion.
What assessment the Church of England has made of the steps needed to put the maintenance of churches and cathedrals on a sustainable basis?
The Church estimates that over the next five years at least £1.14 billion of maintenance and repairs are needed for churches and cathedrals. The Church is very grateful that 550 churches and cathedrals have already benefited from the culture recovery fund, but there remains an urgent need for predictable and sustainable sources of funding, which enable us to keep skilled builders and craft people in work.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific plan or commitment on how to achieve sustainable funding sources for churches and cathedrals.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The listed places of worship grant scheme was recently extended until 2025, providing funding for VAT costs related to repairs on historic buildings.
Last week, the listed places of worship grant scheme was extended until 2025, which I welcome. It is absolutely crucial for churches such as All Saints in Beighton, in my constituency, and the repair work on its thatched roof. Almost half the grade I listed buildings in this country are church buildings. Does my hon. Friend agree with me that that scheme should be now made permanent?
I am delighted that the thatched roof of All Saints, Beighton, has been fixed and that the listed places of worship grant scheme, which covers the VAT cost, was helpful in achieving that. The Government have extended that scheme for the next three years, but in order for churches and cathedrals to continue contributing some £50 billion a year to national wellbeing, my hon. Friend is right that we will need to put these repairs on a sustainable footing. That is why I will be copying this exchange to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not commit to making the scheme permanent and instead suggested further consideration might be needed from the Chancellor.
Response accuracy