Background
L&RUK has reported on developments in the Listed Places of Worship Fund (“the Fund”) since 2017 when it was announced that it would continue at its current levels until March 2020, with no changes planned to the eligibility criteria or application process. In March 2025, Harlow Consulting issued a questionnaire aimed at those responsible for looking after listed places of worship. The user survey was conducted on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as part of an evaluation of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.
On 22 January 2026, the Government announced a £1.5 billion package of support for “cultural organisations” over the coming five years, with “£230 million for heritage, protecting and preserving heritage buildings, including listed places of worship, across the country”. Specifically in relation to places of worship:
“In recognition of the important role religious heritage buildings play in the UK’s national story, a new £92 million fund called the Places of Worship Renewal Fund will replace the £23 million Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme and bring these important buildings into line with other heritage assets. It will give them access to the same level of financial support from the Government as historic houses, monuments and other heritage sites.”
At the same time, DCMS published Evaluation of the Listed Places of Worship Scheme – Final Report. This concluded that “in most cases the grant is contributing directly to securing more repair and maintenance to listed places of worship”.