Leicestershire MP hits out at 'distressing' funding cut for listed places of worship scheme
A Leicestershire MP has hit out at a "distressing" cut to funding for a scheme which helps pay for repairs and maintenance at some of UK's most historic churches. The Listed Places of Worship Scheme's funds has been slashed by 45 per cent this week, while a new cap for claims has also been introduced.
The scheme, which originally had been omitted from Chancellor Rachel Reeves' autumn budget, aims to provides grants towards repairs and renovations listed buildings. It will continue for the 2025-26 financial year but its original £42 million allocation every year has been slashed to £23 million - a drop of 45 per cent.
Alongside the cut in funding, heritage minister Sir Chris Bryant said the government is also introducing a cap of £25,000 on the amount each site can claim per year. However, Hinckley and Bosworth MP Dr Luke Evans has criticised the news, saying it would "have significant and lasting impact on local churches in need of repair".
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Previous Leicestershire locations to benefit from the funding have included the Grade-II listed Church of St Mary the Virgin in Congerstone. Dr Evans believes others' may not be so lucky - especially as the fate of the scheme was left uncertain for months after initially being omitted in the Budget.
He said some of the UK's most historic buildings were being left in limbo. "When I was shadow minister in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport last year I raised concerns around the impact that delaying this announcement would have on listed places of worship and the many people and community groups that use their spaces and services," he said.
"I am pleased the government has finally agreed to extend the scheme. However it is disappointing that funding for the scheme has been cut by £19 million, a cap of £25,000 per grant has been imposed, and that the government has neglected to give cathedrals, churches and chapels a long-term solution. I have raised these concerns with the government and will push for answers for our community.”
Announcing the continuation of the scheme for next year, Sir Chris said: "There are many reasons to care for our faith buildings. They matter to faith communities, they provide a range of vital services to the public regardless of faith or background and many of them are architecturally stunning. I am delighted that despite the tough fiscal challenges we face, we are able to keep this scheme going for a further year to support faith buildings in every part of the country."
And, speaking during a debate in Westminster Hall last week, the minister said: “By tradition, a cathedral is not symmetrical because only God is perfect. I am sure this funding is not perfection in terms of what everybody would want, but I hope it is at least acceptable.”
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