Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

Thursday 28 November 2024 · 3 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The listed places of worship grant scheme enables VAT to be refunded for repairs to churches and religious buildings.
  • Churches are vital to communities providing spiritual and civic leadership in rural areas.
  • The Secretary of State has been asked to consider the continuation of the grant scheme after March 2025.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Blake Stephenson Con Mid Bedfordshire
Culture, Media & Sport Religion & Faith
Context

The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme is set to end in March 2025, raising concerns about the ability of parishes to fund essential repairs. Bishop of Bristol and National Churches Trust have written to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport seeking a meeting.

Question

What recent discussions has the Church had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on whether the listed places of worship grant scheme will continue after March 2025?

Answer from Marsha de Cordova

The listed places of worship grant scheme enables VAT to be refunded for repairs to churches and religious buildings. Without it, parishes will struggle with essential repairs and fundraising efforts. The Bishop of Bristol and National Churches Trust have written to the Secretary of State requesting a meeting on this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about recent discussions but no specific commitments or timelines were provided regarding future continuation of the grant scheme.

How: Not The Secretary Of State

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Q2 Katie Lam Con Weald of Kent
Community Security Religion & Faith
Context

The listed places of worship grant scheme is set to withdraw, causing concerns in rural areas where churches play a vital role. St Mildred's church in Tenterden faces essential repairs and relies on the scheme.

Question

In rural areas like the Weald of Kent, our churches are vital public buildings providing spiritual and civic leadership. Given the withdrawal of the listed places of worship grant scheme, what is being done to support churches such as St Mildred's in Tenterden, which plays a crucial role especially now that the town hall is closed for refurbishment?

Answer from Marsha de Cordova

Churches are vital to communities providing spiritual and civic leadership. The listed places of worship grant scheme enables VAT refunds for repairs, but the Hon Member cannot provide a decision on its extension as she is not the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about actions being taken to support churches like St Mildred's in Tenterden, but no specific measures or commitments were mentioned.

How: Not The Secretary Of State

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Q3 Blake Stephenson Con Mid Bedfordshire
Religion & Faith
Context

Constituents are working hard to raise funds for St Botolph's church in Aspley Guise, with concerns about the cost and feasibility of repair works without the listed places of worship grant scheme.

Question

On Bedfordshire Day, I want to put on record my appreciation for everyone who works so hard in our county. That includes constituents passionate about preserving St Botolph's church in Aspley Guise. They are working hard to raise tens of thousands of pounds for their tower restoration project and expect work to start early next year. However, they are concerned that without the listed places of worship grant scheme, works will become much more expensive and may not be able to proceed. Will the Church Commissioner meet me to discuss how we can continue to support historic churches such as St Botolph's?

Answer from Marsha de Cordova

I join the Hon Gentleman in congratulating those who work hard in communities and churches. I will be delighted to meet him to see what assistance can be provided for the parish, including the £175,000 target for extensive repairs at St Botolph's.

Answered
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