Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

2026-04-16

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Daniel Francis Lab
Bexleyheath and Crayford
What recent discussions the Church of England has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the future of the listed places of worship grant scheme.
We are still awaiting details of the replacement scheme, following the confirmation of the end of the listed places of worship grant scheme in January. As I mentioned in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket (Peter Prinsley), I recently met the Minister for Heritage and impressed upon her how important it is that details of the scheme are published at pace. Church officials are working with Historic England on operational and policy issues, but we are still waiting for the Government to publish the guidance.
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Q2 Partial Answer
Daniel Francis Lab
Bexleyheath and Crayford
St Paulinus church in Crayford and Christ church in Bexleyheath are both grade II listed churches that are desperately in need of investment to restore their buildings. In line with previous questions, I ask my hon. Friend to outline what further news we might have on future capital funding schemes to help to support churches like these.
I hope that both St Paulinus church and Christ church will be eligible for the new places of worship renewal fund. While we await publication of further guidance, I again advise my hon. Friend that churches can also contact their local diocesan office for further advice and support. I would also be happy to write to him about any additional support that may be available to the churches in his constituency. Once again, I thank all colleagues for raising this important issue.
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Q3 Partial Answer
Josh Babarinde Lib Dem
Eastbourne
Context
St Mary's church in Old Town, Eastbourne, a grade I listed church built in the 12th century, requires urgent repairs to its roof and east window. The restoration is estimated at half-a-million pounds.
The vicar, Mother Arwen, needs to know when the places of worship renewal fund will open. Will the Second Church Estates Commissioner visit Eastbourne to support a fundraising appeal for St Mary's church?
The answerer stated that she would try to visit Eastbourne, possibly during the tennis season. She emphasized the importance of certainty for churches and urged the Government to publish guidance for the places of worship renewal fund scheme at pace.
Assessment & feedback
Publication timeline for the guidance for the places of worship renewal fund scheme
How Could I Turn Down Such A Wonderful Offer T [1D [K To Visit Eastbourne?
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