Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme - Preserving Heritage and Community

In January 2025, the UK Government announced that the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has been renewed for one year with a reduced budget. The scheme allows for places of worship (across all faiths) to reclaim VAT on their repair and maintenance projects and, until now, it has been renewed by every UK Government since it was established in 2004.

Listed places of worship are not just architectural marvels; they are the heart of our communities, providing spiritual support and social outreach. However, maintaining these historic buildings comes at a cost. Help us advocate for the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, so that we can continue to preserve our churches...

An example letter to your MP

To [insert relevant MP details]

On behalf of [insert name/organisation] we are writing to express our serious concerns over the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.

While news that the scheme has been extended by one year comes as some relief, the £25,000 grant cap and the lack of commitment to the scheme beyond March 2026 is deeply concerning.

[Edit with your details and connection to the scheme]

Just one example of a project that is now in jeopardy is St John’s Chatham in Kent, a stunning Waterloo Church, located in the heart of Chatham. 

[insert a relevant case study] St John’s was consecrated in 1821 but closed in 1997. Thanks to the support of numerous partners the building reopened in 2021, attracting 1,500 visitors in the first nine months alone, following the addition of a small kitchen and a disabled access loo. Despite the poor state of the church, the congregation has grown, with over 200 people a week attending, while the surrounding area also underwent regeneration. The church is now in the midst of a major regeneration project, with thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, members of the Christian Funders’ Forum and other funders. The development will see the reopening of a previously closed church following the complete restoration of the building, the addition of a lift, the creation of a concert venue and new working spaces for up to 10 small businesses creating a community hub. The newly imposed Listed Places of Worship grant scheme cap will now leave this project £100,000 short of its funding target, and at a critical stage in its delivery. The Church will now have to cut vital elements from its project or find alternatively funding sources which are already exhausted. 

This is just one example of hundreds of projects now impacted around the country. 

It is in everyone’s interests that churches should continue to maintain buildings that sit at the heart of their communities and are often of significant architectural value. The work of churches in addressing social need is undervalued and unrecognised. It is already extremely challenging for churches to meet the demands of their communities and generate adequate income to maintain their buildings which is why the Listed Places of Grant Scheme is beyond vital.

We ask that the Government considers the devastating impact on churches and wider communities if the scheme were to be withdrawn in 2026. [Your organisation] advocates for the continuation of the scheme and the removal of the £25,000 cap.  

[Your name and title]

[Signature]

Further Resources:

National Churches Trust

National Churches Trust - Provides information on grants, support, and the importance of preserving listed places of worship.

Historic England

Historic England - Offers advice and resources on maintaining and preserving historic places of worship.

ChurchCare

ChurchCare - A resource from the Church of England providing guidance on caring for church buildings, including funding and grants.

The Heritage Alliance

The Heritage Alliance - An organisation that advocates for the heritage sector, including places of worship, and provides resources and support.

Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme - Information on the grant scheme that helps listed places of worship recover VAT on repair and maintenance costs.