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Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Thursday, 17 July 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 July 2025. It was answered by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Friday, 25 July 2025 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Churches: Repairs and Maintenance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she plans to take to support the maintenance of the architectural fabric of the Church of England beyond the expiration of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme in 2026.

Answer

In January this government announced that we would extend the Scheme for one year with an overall budget of £23 million in recognition of the importance of listed places of worship both in terms of heritage and to their local communities. Funding after March 2026 for all listed places of worship will be considered as we work through the output of the Spending Review and Departmental business planning process.

Alongside the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme there are other sources of funding available for listed places of worship of all faiths via the Department’s Arm’s-Length Bodies. For example, the National Lottery Heritage Fund has committed to investing around £100m between 2023 and 2026 to support places of worship. This investment includes £15 million to support large-scale projects that tackle broad needs and challenges, fostering greater sustainability and security within the sector. Ongoing support for places of worship will also be provided through National Lottery Heritage Grants, helping to improve their condition and equip the sector with the expertise, people, and skills necessary to preserve this heritage for the future. Over the next three years, it is expected that approximately £85 million will be awarded to support this goal.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
68746
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Churches Repairs and maintenance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk