Context
The MP notes uncertainty and panic among communities regarding the future of listed places of worship grants after March 2026. The current situation has led to a lack of clarity on how the scheme will be extended.
Question
I am grateful for the Minister’s answer, but I am not sure the Government have understood the level of uncertainty and panic that has set in following their approach to this grant scheme. Some of the most cherished buildings in our constituencies are waiting on clarity for when the Government will come forward with concrete steps to extend this scheme. What will happen after March 2026? I would be grateful if the Minister could give us that clarity now.
Answer from The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts (Ian Murray)
This is an incredibly serious issue, but the Conservatives did not allocate any funding for it at all when they were in government, and therefore we are left with the current situation. I reiterate to those who may wish to use the listed places of worship grant scheme that £13.7 million is left in that scheme. Grants are capped at £25,000, but the analysis from the Department is that 94% of all applications are unaffected by this change because most claims are under £5,000. There is plenty of money left in the pot for this year, and I would encourage them to use it.
Not addressed: The Minister did not provide clarity on what will happen after March 2026 regarding the extension of the grant scheme.
How: Did Not Allocate Any Funding For It At All When They Were In Government
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