Heritage Craft and Building Sector

Debate between Baroness Twycross and Baroness Freeman of Steventon

Monday 12th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

The noble Lord is aware that the current scheme is funded until the end of March, when the budget is reached. We are very clear as a department that huge value is placed on listed places of worship by local communities and by their congregations. We extended the scheme in recognition of the importance of the listed places of worship scheme. The cap has not affected the majority of applications—94% of applications will be unaffected by the change; most claims are under £5,000. Immediately before Christmas, I met key stakeholders such as the National Churches Trust and the Church of England to make sure that they are kept up to date on where we are going as a department. I appreciate that people will be anxious to know about potential future funding and potential changes, and I will provide an update as soon as possible.

[Baroness Freeman of Steventon (CB)]

My Lords, government funding for level 2 and 3 diploma courses in some building crafts, such as stonemasonry, has recently been withdrawn. For a craftsperson, who is usually a micro-entity business, to take on a novice apprentice without previous foundational training is a big risk and potentially a big immediate cost. How are the Government planning to support busy craftspeople to take on novice apprentices?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I recognise what the noble Baroness said about the issues faced by some craftspeople in taking on apprentices. That is why I met my noble friend last year and why we are working with the sector to make sure that what we put in place, and what is put in place by the sector and supported by government, reflects the needs of the heritage sector so that we get the workforce that we need.