The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

The big news of the week was the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, Chris Bryant, announced that the Scheme is to be extended for another financial year from 1 April 2025, but with an annual limit of £25,000 on the amount that an individual place of worship can claim and a limit on the total fund of £23 million.

Which is rather better than half a loaf – but by no means as generous as the current Scheme. Last year, it returned £29 million in VAT refunds. The National Churches Trust, for one, was not impressed. If you wish to follow the history of the Scheme in greater detail, the House of Commons Library has produced a research briefing on VAT and churches.

Bishops in the House of Lords again

On Tuesday, Baroness Harman tabled a new Clause to the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill which, if enacted, would begin the process of removing the Lords Spiritual from the Upper House: Continue reading →