There has been helpful confirmation, in spite of the recent economic storms, that the Government is sticking to its commitment, originally announced on 20 January 2022, to extend the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme to March 2025.

In reply to a written question from Valerie Vaz (Lab, Walsall South) asking the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport permanently to exempt spending on repairs and renovations to listed places of worship from VAT, Stuart Andrew, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at DCMS, replied as follows:

“The Government recognises that listed places of worship represent some of the nation’s finest heritage, and that there are particular burdens to the upkeep of such spiritual architecture. The Government funded Listed Place of Worship Grant Scheme aims to support the works by giving grants that cover the VAT incurred in making repairs to listed buildings in use as places of worship. This supports the effective conservation of these sites.

In 2012, my Department and the Treasury became joint funders, with annual funding increased up to £42 million per annum. I am pleased to confirm this amount of funding has been secured for the current spending period until 31st March 2025. Whilst the government cannot confirm this funding permanently, my officials remain in close contact with the sector and are aware of the ongoing need for support for this scheme”.