Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Livermore on 5 January (HL13130), whether the expert reviews into public service inefficiencies, announced on 19 January, represent the review of value for money across government spending announced in the Budget.

Answered by Lord Livermore - Financial Secretary (HM Treasury)

At the Budget last year, the Chancellor announced that the Chief Secretary to the Treasury will lead a review of value for money across government spending. The recommendations from this review will then be considered at the next Spending Review.

A further announcement was made on the 19th January, outlining the four key areas of focus and how a review into each will work. This includes drawing on expertise from across the public and private sector.

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what representations she has received on the reduction in the budget for the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme from (i) the Bishop of Hereford and (ii) the Bishop of Lichfield and (iii) any other senior clergy within the Diocese of Hereford or the Diocese of Lichfield.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport announced the replacement scheme to the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on the 21st January.

The National Church Institutions welcomed the new Places of Worship Renewal Fund and await details of how it will operate with interest. The operational details are yet to be published, and the current scheme ends on the 31st March 2026. The full press release from the National Church Institutions can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/media/news-and-press-releases/national-treasures-common-good-new-repairs-fund-announced

The Diocese of Hereford and the Diocese of Lichfield are still examining the implications of the new scheme. They continue to work closely with the National Church Institutions on the best strategy to maximise the help available to local parishes.

The Lord Bishop of Hereford asked a question in the House of Lords about the operation of the new scheme on Monday, 26th January, 2026. In response, the Rt. Hon. Lord Livermore, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said “the details of the new scheme would be published soon”. In subsequent correspondence with the Minister, the Bishop of Hereford has sought assurance that the new grant scheme would keep to a minimum the administrative burdens on parishes. We welcome the Government’s indication that it will work with the Church of England to ensure the scheme is fair and transparent.

Found: Lord Livermore, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: This government is delivering the largest