Churches and Religious Buildings: Communities

Described the importance of churches in Yeovil, including Holy Trinity's baby bank and St John’s Gone Fishing café. Highlighted that nearly half of all grade I listed buildings are historic churches with over 900 at risk, urging the Government to continue the grant scheme without caps.

As co-lead on church buildings for the Church of England, he highlights the vast network of 16,000 buildings and the lack of central church funding compared to other European countries.

Holy Trinity Clapham runs a significant food bank during the pandemic, supports ex-offenders, works with domestic violence survivors, and offers marriage preparation courses. The church has raised £6 million for its restoration project but faces an additional £1 million due to VAT recoupment issues under the new grant scheme cap.

Stressed the importance of continuing the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, noting its renewal every few years. Emphasised that any reduction in the scheme would impact deprived communities severely and result in neglect or closure of historically significant buildings.

Emphasised the social and community benefits provided by religious buildings in Derby, including food banks and educational programmes.

Thanked the right hon. Member for Salisbury for securing the debate and highlighted local soft play centres in Brecon that are much needed by young parents.

Asked about reassurances from the Government regarding projects already started that exceed the £25,000 cap.

Reiterated that any future funding decisions are part of the spending review process but acknowledged the importance of places of worship in communities.

Highlighted the importance of churches and religious buildings for community support and spiritual life in different countries like Morocco and Egypt. Discussed the importance of protecting religious buildings and highlighted examples from Egypt and Jordan.

Emphasised the significance of churches in his constituency for community cohesion, resilience against natural disasters, and tourism.

Glen highlighted the leadership role played by rectors and vicars in raising funds for church maintenance, noting that Holy Trinity Clapham is £1 million short due to changes in the listed places of worship scheme. Acknowledges the point made by the hon. Lady about community activities in different places, emphasizing that the range and depth of church impact varies according to the needs of each community. Suggested that the Minister should utilise in-year underspends to fund ongoing projects which have been impacted by VAT issues.

Asked the Minister to respond specifically to three points: making the scheme permanent, prioritising support for ongoing projects and considering a capital fund. Acknowledged the significance of churches and religious buildings in providing community services such as breakfast clubs, warm spaces, and cultural events. Emphasised the importance of protecting these places.

Celebrated VE Day with a civic service at a Catholic church, highlighting the role of churches in national and civic life. Emphasized the need for quick appointment of Church of England leadership. Discussed the historical and cultural significance of churches in Grimsby and Lincolnshire.

Congratulated the lead MPs for securing the debate, highlighting the importance of community support through places of worship. Discussed the historical significance and ongoing importance of these institutions in providing refuge, service, and solidarity. Stressed the importance of churches as economic drivers, contributing £235 million to local economies and supporting 6,000 full-time jobs. Also raised concerns about the repair bill for churches and their closure risks.

Gilmour expressed concern about 969 churches at risk and questioned whether the Government would commit to making the listed places of worship scheme permanent without a cap.

Stressed the importance of preserving religious buildings as more than just physical structures and highlighted their role in community service and interfaith cooperation.

Raises concerns about the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Stockland Bristol being £300,000 short for repairs and conversion into a community hub due to changes in the listed worship scheme.

Cox agreed with the concerns about the closure of churches in rural parishes and emphasised the importance of finding community purposes for these buildings.

Noted the presence of 138 listed places of worship in his constituency, praised their community roles, and mentioned government support for restoration work.

Noted that churches divested by the Church of Scotland continue to serve as community hubs and need Government support even if not used for religious purposes.