The Government has confirmed a further year’s extension to the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, though with a new claim cap of £25,000 per place of worship.
Diocesan Director of Church Buildings, Mark Carter writes:
There had been fears that the Scheme, which pays grants to parishes to reimburse any VAT paid on eligible repairs and improvements to listed places of worship, could be removed altogether due to budgetary pressures: so, whilst there is relief that every listed church will be able to continue to make claims, the implementation of a cap will be of concern to churches undertaking major works. The cap will mean that an individual place of worship will only be able to claim up to £25,000 of eligible VAT spent between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, the equivalent of £125,000 of works pre-VAT.
We are grateful to Bradley Thomas, the MP for Bromsgrove, for campaigning so passionately on this matter and for securing the debate in Westminster Hall on 22 January which showed the breadth of support across all four nations of the UK for supporting faith communities in the care of historic places of worship. It is good news that Government have clarified the position for next year – and the certainty that it will provide for many parishes – but acknowledge that this places a huge question mark over major restoration or development projects at our churches.
There will be continued discussion with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, but in the meantime our Church Buildings Team are in contact with parishes who they are aware of this affecting.
If you feel this will also apply to your parish then do contact us on churches@cofe-worcester.org.uk / 01905 732809 or speak with your Archdeacon.
Any applications made for works undertaken prior to 31 March 2025 are unaffected and will continue to be subject to the previous parameters, so prompt claiming is encouraged through the application portal https://listed-places-of-worship-grant.dcms.gov.uk/
