VAT on independent school fees

On 22 May, the Supreme Court granted a group of independent Christian schools, parents and pupils permission to appeal the judgment in R (BYL & Anor) v Chancellor of the Exchequer & Ors [2026] EWCA Civ 170, on the Government’s decision to impose VAT on independent school fees. The ground of appeal is whether the policy strikes a fair balance between its stated objectives and its consequences for affected schools, parents and children. The appellants argue that the policy “disproportionately impacts Christian schools and the families who choose them, particularly those of modest means”.

More on the Places of Worship Renewal Fund

In reply to a question from Claire Hanna (Belfast South and Mid Down, SDLP) as to whether VAT reimbursements are available under the Places of Worship Renewal Fund, Ian Murray, Minister of State at DCMS, said this:

“The new Places of Worship Renewal Fund is a capital grant scheme which will operate in England only as Heritage is a devolved matter. Where capital grants have been awarded, VAT on eligible works and costs will be rebated where it is not otherwise reclaimable.”

In reply to a question from Sarah Dyke (Glastonbury and Somerton, LibDem) about the adequacy of the £92 million allocated for the Fund, he said this:

“Given the current fiscal climate, it is essential that Government support is targeted towards the areas where it can have the greatest impact, and where it is needed most. The new Places of Worship Renewal Fund (£92 million over four years) will provide grants from £10,000 to £1,000,000 to support urgent structural repairs, physical access improvements or the installation of new facilities to expand community use. Priority will be given to projects in areas of England with the highest levels of deprivation and need for investment.” [emphasis added].

Blasphemy and blasphemous libel in Northern Ireland

On 9 June, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) voted 57 to 24 in favour of repealing blasphemy laws in Northern Ireland. Alliance MLA Connie Egan tabled the amendment to the Justice Bill, which is now set to repeal the common law offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel in Northern Ireland. The vote took place during the Justice Bill’s consideration stage, in which MLAs debate the Bill in detail and vote on proposed changes. By voting for Ms Egan’s amendment, they agreed to add the repeal of blasphemy laws to the Bill.

The Justice Bill must still pass its further consideration stage, where MLAs can make more changes, and then its final stage, where MLAs vote on the Bill as a whole. If the Bill passes, it will go through final legal checks before receiving Royal Assent and becoming an Act. [With acknowledgements to Humanists UK.]

Coastal erosion threatens historic burial site

The Guardian reports that a mass grave for 119 drowned sailors from HMS Invincible, which sank off the Norfolk coast in 1801, could be exhumed to avoid their remains being exposed by coastal erosion. The recovered bodies were buried at St Mary’s, Happisburgh, in the nearest village to the shipwreck, but the graveyard is expected to be destroyed by coastal erosion in the coming decades. The mass grave was unmarked until 1998, when a stone was placed above it that includes the biblical inscription: “And the sea gave up the dead that were in it.”

Human bones were exposed at the cliffside graveyard at St Mary’s, Whitby as the result of a landslide, and the fear is that something similar may happen at Happisburgh. North Norfolk District Council has agreed to conduct a ground-penetrating radar survey of the graveyard later this summer to pinpoint the exact location of the mass grave for a possible exhumation.

The exhumation and reburial of a large number of remains is not unknown for large infrastructure projects and likewise the reburial of Scottish soldiers from a mass grave near Durham Cathedral. However, in addition to the approval of the consistory court for the exhumation and associated disruption of the churchyard, reburial at sea would also have to satisfy the exacting requirements of the Marine Maritime Organization. [With thanks to Michael Ainsworth.]

Pentagon drops 180 religious groups from “recognised faith” list

On 8 June, the Religion Media Centre reported that the US Department of Defense had announced a reduction in the number of religious affiliations recognised by chaplains as they plan their service. According to the website Military.com, the new list of 31 is down from more than 200, and no longer includes Atheists, Asatru, Deists, Druids, Eckankar, Heathens, Humanists, Magick, New Age churches, Pagan, Rosicrucianism, Shaman, Spiritualists, Troth, Unitarian Universalists and various Wiccans.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, which was listed separately from those labelled “Christian”, is now clearly identified as a Christian Church; the Department stated that there had been a mistake in labelling. The list does not make claims on the legitimacy of faiths but seeks to assist chaplains providing spiritual care.

Inappropriate gavels (yet again)

On 8 June, Legal Cheek reported Bar regulator in gavel blunder: “It appears the  Bar Standards Board has fallen foul of the misconception that our legal system features tiny auctioneer-style hammers, with one cropping up in a seminar put on by the regulator”. As readers will appreciate: “There are entire websites dedicated to identifying and calling out the incorrect representation of, or use of gavels within the UK judiciary. Wigs yes, gavels no”.  Following an email to the BSB “to hammer home the point”, a spokesperson confirmed it will be removed.

•  Alex Davies, Lexology: Cohabitation reform: a long-overdue shift in the law or an attack on family wealth?: more on the Government’s reasons for the consultation here.
• Diocese of Truro: Complexity of Corker Memorial Highlighted in Presentation: “The memorial, dedicated to a trader of enslaved people, has attracted significant public attention and remains a source of strong and differing views within the community”.

And finally…

Inspired (!!!) by the Church of England’s World Cup prayer, the Beaker Folk of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (but not Epsom) have released their own. For the benefit of our readers (and as a quid pro quo for the continued links to L&RUK posts in the sidebar of their posts), we are delighted to share it with you here.