The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme again

On Tuesday, there was a debate in Westminster Hall on churches and religious buildings – focusing mostly on the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme – initiated by the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha De Cordova (Battersea, Lab) and John Glen (Salisbury, Con). Ms De Cordova highlighted the role that churches and religious buildings played in communities, not just as places of worship, but in their broader impact on arts, heritage and skills development and their contribution to local economies and environmental goals. She raised concerns about recent cuts to the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, including the reduced funding pot and the new cap on claims. She also urged the creation of a new capital fund for listed places of worship of all faiths and asked for a meeting with herself and representatives of some of the churches affected by the changes to find long-term solutions. Continue reading →