Congregations with listed buildings in need of repair urged to submit early applications for funding

Congregations with listed buildings in need of repair are encouraged to submit early applications for UK Government funding following an announcement that the budget had been drastically cut and only extended for 12 months.

Rev Scott Rennie, vice-convener of the General Trustees of the Church of Scotland, appealed for action after the UK-wide Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme was reduced to £23 million for 2025-26.

He said that while it is a relief that the UK Government has extended the conservation fund, which issues grants towards VAT paid on repairs and renovations, it is "disappointing and worrying" that the budget has been cut from £42 million the previous year.

The Church of Scotland has more than 1,000 listed buildings of which 180 are A-listed.

Mr Rennie, minister of Crown Court Church in London, said the decision announced by UK Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant means that it is likely that not all applications for funding will be successful.

Grants have been capped at £25,000 which raises questions on whether the total cost of repairs will be covered at many sites.

There are fears that the announcement does not provide enough certainty or support to churches who need more time to plan and deliver repairs.

Worrying

Mr Rennie said: "While it is a relief that the UK Government has extended the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme for another year, it is disappointing and worrying that the budget has been drastically cut.

"The conservation fund for 2025/26 has been set at £23 million, down from £42 million the previous year which means it is likely that not all applications for funding will be successful.

"Unlike countries like Germany and France, the task of caring for and funding church buildings in the UK falls overwhelmingly on local people and this scheme is the only regular financial support that the UK Government provides to help the custodians of listed buildings, the effect being to refund the VAT that they have already paid to the Exchequer.

"The Church has more than 1,000 listed buildings of which 180 are A-listed which are valued highly for their architecture, history and for the economic and social benefit they bring to the communities they serve.

"These beautiful buildings are important sacred spaces, places of welcome for all, and many of them are in rural locations and the only building open for wider community use.

"It is already enormously challenging for congregations to raise the money needed for the repair of church buildings and we are concerned that this substantial reduction in the conservation fund will put the viability of many church buildings in doubt.

"I would urge Church of Scotland congregations with listed building status to make sure they apply for funding for repairs as early as they can.

Lobby MPs

"The UK Government Department of Culture, Media and Sport has indicated there will be changed criteria which will impact the ability of some places of worship to undertake necessary works.

"We will be urgently assessing what impact this might have on our buildings, claims are capped at £25,000 which seems very low, and will continue to discuss the issue with the UK Government, along with our partners in other church and heritage organisations.

"I would encourage congregations to raise this issue with their local MP and ask them to urge the UK Government to ensure a sufficiently funded Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme is put in place and maintained for the life-time of this parliament."

The issue was debated in the House of Commons yesterday with MPs expressing concerns and Sir Philip Rutnam, chair of the National Churches Trust, said the announcement did not provide enough certainty or support to churches, who need more time to plan and deliver repairs.

"We strongly believe that the scheme should be made permanent: it is vital to help these buildings stay open, serving local people, and it's the poorest and most isolated who will suffer most if these buildings are forced to close," he added.

The charity said the announcement would leave those responsible for church buildings "cautious about planning any repair work".

Sir Christopher Chope, MP for Christchurch in England, has introduced an Exemption from Value Added Tax (Listed Places of Worship) Bill to the House of Commons.

The private members bill is expected to have its second reading on 28 March.