Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Choral Music: Cathedrals

Thursday 11 January 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Church Commissioners provided 1 million to support music in cathedrals during the pandemic, which was match funded by the Cathedral Music Trust.
  • 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.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Michael Fabricant Con
Culture, Media & Sport Religion & Faith
Context

During the pandemic, there was a concern about the impact on cathedral choirs and their ability to continue performing.

Question

Whether the Commissioners are taking steps to support choral music in cathedrals during the pandemic.

Answer from Andrew Selous

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Michael Fabricant Con
Education Taxation
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Andrew Selous

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment details or commitments were not provided regarding the effects of increased fees and loss of charitable status.

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email