The Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme allows for listed places of worship to reclaim VAT on their repair projects. The scheme has been renewed by every UK Government since it was introduced in 2004. But, at a Westminster Hall debate today – Wednesday 22 January – Chris Bryant MP, the Minister for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries, made an announcement on the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme.
The UK Government has decided:
The National Churches Trust responds
“We are pleased that the scheme has been extended but are very concerned that this is only for one year, a spending cap has been introduced, and the overall budget has been cut for the scheme," says Sir Philip Rutnam, Chair of the National Churches Trust.
“This simply does not provide enough certainty or support for places of worship, who need more time to plan and deliver repairs, which typically take longer than a year.
“The scheme offers tremendous value for money. For every £1 invested in a church building, £16 of social good is generated. We strongly believe that the scheme should be made permanent – it's vital to help these buildings stay open, serving local people, and it’s the poorest and most isolated who will suffer most if these buildings are forced to close.”
“We will continue to work with the Government to ensure the value of these buildings is understood.”
Next steps
We are not going anywhere. As the leading UK church heritage charity, we will be doing all we can to urge the Government to make this scheme permanent and reverse the cuts and the budget cap.
have benefitted from this scheme and have been supported in keeping their buildings windproof and watertight, safeguarding the future of some of our most important local heritage.
that applied for grants from us were eligible to receive this vital refund of VAT to help towards projects ranging from restoring crumbling towers to fixing a leaking roof.
that places of worship will have to bear if the scheme is scrapped. This would be a devastating blow for churches, many of which are already struggling with the high cost of keeping their buildings open and in good repair.
The National Churches Trust responds to the decision made by the UK Government on the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme. Find out more about the decision and what this will mean for churches.
Heritage organisations and those responsible for church buildings across different nations and denominations have come together to call on the UK Government to renew this vital scheme. Read their letter to the UK Government about why the scheme must be renewed.
On Wednesday 22 January there will be debate in Parliament about the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme. Find out more about the Westminster Hall debate and how you can get involved and watch the debate online.
Read the letter Sir Philip Rutnam, Chair of the National Churches Trust, sent to the Treasury in which he calls for the UK Government to renew the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme. You can also use it as a template to contact your own MP.
In her Autumn Budget, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves made no announcement about the extension of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme. This is concerning – and why we need your help. Find a template letter here to help you write to your MP.
Hear from two concerned churches about why the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme must be renewed by the UK Government. And find out what you can do to help campaign on this vital issue.
You can help us make the case for the future of the scheme by writing to your MP and raising awareness on social media about why the scheme should be renewed.
