Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

Thursday 3 July 2025 · 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Louise Jones inquired about the future of the listed places of worship grant scheme to preserve historic churches in North East Derbyshire.
  • Jayne Kirkham questioned the availability of alternative support for St Probus and St Grace given the changes to the grant scheme.
  • Jen Craft sought clarification on available support for the costly repairs at St Nicholas church in Thurrock.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Louise Jones Lab North East Derbyshire
Religion & Faith
Context

The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has a £25,000 cap on grants, which impacts church repairs.

Question

In North East Derbyshire, we have many historic churches that reflect the Christian faith. Can my hon. Friend provide clarity on the future of the listed places of worship scheme so that these valuable buildings can be preserved for generations?

Answer from Marsha De Cordova

The Church Commissioners have provided £9 million in grants for repairs, but some 260 churches will be impacted by changes. I understand the importance of these buildings and invite my hon. Friend to lobby DCMS for certainty about future support.

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Q2 Jayne Kirkham Labour (Co-op) Truro and Falmouth
Community Security Religion & Faith
Context

The £25,000 cap on the grant scheme affects churches needing extensive work, like St Probus and St Grace in Truro and Falmouth.

Question

Both St Probus and St Grace need expensive works to remain watertight. With the new annual cap and potential ending of the listed places of worship grant scheme next year, what alternative support will be available?

Answer from Marsha De Cordova

While the Church Commissioners have a building emissions fund and other grants are available through the heritage lottery, I will write to my hon. Friend about additional support that might be applicable. Lobbying DCMS is also advised for future scheme clarity.

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Q3 Jen Craft Lab Thurrock
Religion & Faith
Context

Grade I listed St Nicholas church in Ockendon faces significant repair challenges due to its age, and costs are high.

Question

Works at St Nicholas church will cost around £200,000. Can my hon. Friend assist me to understand what support is available for parishes facing these challenges?

Answer from Marsha De Cordova

I will write to my hon. Friend setting out additional support that might be available, such as the Church Commissioners' building emissions fund. It is important to lobby DCMS for clarity about future scheme funding.

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