Listed Places of Worship Scheme

Discussed concerns from constituents about the future of historical churches, such as St Andrew’s in Great Staughton and All Saints church in Hamerton, highlighting their significance to community heritage.

Called on the Government to renew or expand the listed places of worship fund. Welcomed the Minister's continuation of the scheme for 2025-26 but urged for permanence and a degree of permanence to avoid false economy.

Described Shankill parish church in Lurgan as iconic and part of the town since 1725. Stated that the stalled grant means that a current project to refurbish the church is unable to continue, impacting preaching of the gospel and community support.

Churches form part of the fabric of our villages and towns, such as Ely cathedral that watches over Ely and the fens. Asking people to raise an extra 20% is a significant ask and will stop many schemes going ahead.

Discussed the importance of churches in community life, their architectural and historical significance, and highlighted significant funding sources like the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Highlighted the economic value that church buildings bring to communities beyond the £30 million tax revenue, referencing Bishop Andrew Rumsey's work on the issue.

Stated that since 2022 five grants have been awarded in his constituency and urged the Government to extend the scheme for worship, outreach, youth work, helping vulnerable people, and community hubs.

Emphasised the cultural and community benefits of preserving historic churches in his constituency, citing examples like St Peter's church in Staple Fitzpaine and St Mary Magdalene Minster in Taunton. Commented that the current scheme was a bargain and suggested it would be a false economy to reduce or not extend the scheme permanently.

Highlighted the importance of churches in his constituency, such as Holy Trinity and St Mary's, which host community events and activities. He also mentioned critical restoration work funded by the grant scheme.

Acknowledged the support from constituents and praised the listed places of worship grant scheme's impact on community services and heritage preservation.

Highlighted the role of rural churches in providing community hubs and vital support services like food banks. Emphasised that without the VAT refund, fundraising for repair works becomes much harder.

The grant scheme enabled St Paul’s in Chichester to undergo improvements. Every £1 spent in churches provides a £16 return to the community, supporting charities and social action projects.

Highlighted the importance of places of worship in preserving heritage and supporting the economy, mentioning St Margaret’s church in Westminster and the need for more funding.

Acknowledged the cultural importance of Salisbury cathedral and highlighted that volunteers and organisations such as the Churches Conservation Trust support church preservation efforts.

St Mary’s in Stanwell is due to be visited by Mr Speaker on 4 March. The Minister should extend this scheme to ensure the Speaker gets a warm welcome from the people of St Mary’s in Sunbury.

St Martin’s Low Marple Heritage Trust in her constituency is a treasury of the arts and crafts movement. The trust is concerned about VAT costs and delays to projects due to uncertainty regarding the extension of the listed places of worship grants scheme.

For over 23 years, the listed places of worship grant scheme has been a lifeline for communities in South Cambridgeshire. The scheme is set to expire in March 2025 and without renewal, congregations will struggle with repairs, impacting vaccine centres, youth groups, and essential community spaces.

All Saints parish church in South Antrim is embarking on a repair project for its bell tower, which will cost just over a quarter of a million pounds. The church has applied for £45,000 from the scheme, crucial to budgeting for that work.

The Department received 323 items of correspondence on this topic between early September and mid-December 2024. The Church in Wales operates 1,221 places of worship—cathedrals, churches, and chapels—and 73% are listed buildings. St Woolos’ cathedral has reclaimed over £87,000 through the scheme.

Praised the lead MP for securing the debate, acknowledged contributions from other Members, and highlighted the importance of protecting Britain’s heritage. Called on the Government to extend the scheme beyond March this year to provide clarity and support for volunteers maintaining listed places of worship. Critiqued the Minister for citing religious texts in debates.

St Peter’s church in Brackley, grade I listed, has been a place of worship since the 7th century AD. The Tove Benefice in Towcester led by Steve and Reverend Paula Challen have collected tonnes of aid for Ukraine.

Stressed the cultural significance of cathedrals and churches, advocating for the permanent extension of the grant scheme to ensure future generations can benefit from these places.

Asked if it would be convenient for Members to see a copy of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport's statement about the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme before beginning the debate.

Churches are focal points for communities in Lincolnshire, with 124 listed churches in his constituency. The listed places of worship grants scheme is due to expire in March 2025 and it should be extended.

Expressed concern for small parish churches, which serve as repositories of spiritual aspirations and cultural heritage. He warned that without continued support, these buildings will face closure or conversion to housing.

Emphasised that donations for church maintenance are often given specifically to avoid taxation, questioning whether these funds should be taxed when used for church repairs. Asked the Minister to accept that tourism is essential for listed buildings but also adds to maintenance costs.

In South West Norfolk, the listed places of worship grant scheme is crucial for preserving historic churches and supporting local communities through services like food pantries and internet access. The VAT reclaimability under this scheme significantly aids volunteer-led fund-raising efforts. Emphasised the importance of community services run through churches, highlighting volunteers in Feltwell who are preserving buildings and giving them life and purpose. Urged the Minister to clarify whether the grant scheme can be renewed.