Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

Thursday 3 April 2025 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Churches in constituencies are facing financial challenges due to increased running costs.
  • The listed places of worship grant scheme has been extended for 12 months with reduced funding and a cap.
  • A roundtable meeting is being considered to address funding issues and the impact of the cap for churches in York and elsewhere.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Economy Energy Religion & Faith
Context

Churches in Mary Glindon's constituency are facing uncertainty about the future of the grant scheme after 2026, and increased revenue costs such as insurance.

Question

I am concerned that churches in my constituency are finding it hard to cope with the rise in revenue costs. Can my hon. Friend tell us what is being done to support the financial position of English parish churches more generally?

Answer from Marsha De Cordova

There are challenges for parishes due to increases in running costs such as national insurance and energy costs. The Church Commissioners have distributed £1.2 billion to support parishes between 2023 and 2025.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about the grant scheme was not addressed, only general funding issues were covered.

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Q2 Gregory Stafford Con Farnham and Bordon
Community Security
Context

The Government's decision to extend the listed places of worship grant scheme for only 12 months, with a reduced budget and cap, has caused significant unease. The rector of Farnham is concerned about a nearby project that faces a £750,000 shortfall.

Question

The Government’s decision to extend the listed places of worship grant scheme for only 12 months, with a reduced budget and cap, has caused significant unease in my constituency. Will the hon. Lady join me in urging the Government to continue at least previous support for projects that have already received planning permission?

Answer from Marsha De Cordova

I raised my concerns with the Secretary of State when I met him and will write to the hon. Gentleman on potential funding opportunities for churches in Farnham, but did not explicitly commit to urging the Government to continue previous support.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed, only a note of writing to the MP was given without commitment.

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Q3 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Local Government Religion & Faith
Context

The Belfry in York has a £1.5 million shortfall and needs support for ongoing projects that have received planning permission.

Question

The Belfry in York is left in ruins with a £1.5 million shortfall, affecting their project progress. Can my hon. Friend arrange a meeting for churches midway through their project with the Secretary of State to address this funding issue?

Answer from Marsha De Cordova

I will seek to arrange a roundtable meeting with impacted churches, including potentially having a Minister present to hear about the impact of the cap and future support for the scheme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed; instead, an offer for a future meeting was provided without immediate commitment.

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Q4 Zöe Franklin Lib Dem Guildford
Religion & Faith
Context

Churches in Guildford face significant shortfalls due to the £25,000 cap on the grant. One church expected to recover VAT but now faces a major funding shortfall.

Question

Could you outline what support is available for churches across Guildford facing significant shortfalls due to the £25,000 cap? Can this also be addressed in any future meetings?

Answer from Marsha De Cordova

I commit to writing to the hon. Member on this issue, having looked into what other support is available and including them in any future meetings to address these issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed; instead, a note of writing back and inclusion in future meetings was provided without immediate commitment.

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