Historic churches are at risk of slipping into disrepair as many will no longer be able to afford essential maintenance work. The Listed Places of Worship Scheme is no longer accepting applications meaning churches can no longer claim back VAT for repairs.
Our historic churches and places of worship make up a vital part of our heritage, and it is important they are conserved for future generations. That is why the previous government took action to protect them by returning £346 million to them between 2010 and 2024 through the Listed Places of Worship Scheme.
This provided listed places of worship with up to £42 million per year of support toward repairing roofs, masonry and monuments integral to the buildings. This Government has slashed the Scheme’s annual funding from £42 million to £23 million and introduced a cap on the amount individual places of worship can claim.
As of 31 March, the Government’s website reports:
‘All award decisions within the £23 million budget for the 2025 to 2026 financial year have now been finalised.’
Repairs to historic buildings are notoriously expensive and it is very difficult for volunteers to raise an extra 20% to pay for VAT. Sadly, this will result in many churches putting off vital repairs and we will be seeing less scaffolding around church towers like we currently have at St Mary’s in Lenham.
Churches not only provide spiritual guidance, but they also provide vital local support and community connection. They are irreplaceable parts of Britain's heritage and must be protected. That is why the Conservatives are committed to restoring funding for the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme to pre-Labour levels and abolishing the £25,000 cap on repair claims.
This short-sighted policy is putting our historic buildings and country’s heritage at great risk. As an opposition MP against a government with a huge majority, I am limited with what I can do about this. That said, my Parliamentary colleagues and I have successfully forced the Government to U-turn, and we will work together to preserve our historic churches.
