Oral Answers to Questions

Dave Robertson Excerpts

Thursday 16th January 2025 Commons Chamber

The hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, was asked—

[Dave Robertson (Lichfield) (Lab)]

1. What assessment the Commissioners have made of the effectiveness of the listed places of worship grant scheme.

[Kirsteen Sullivan (Bathgate and Linlithgow) (Lab/Co-op)]

4. What assessment the Commissioners have made of the effectiveness of the listed places of worship grant scheme.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Marsha De Cordova)]

The listed places of worship grant scheme provides support to religious communities with listed buildings by refunding the cost of VAT on repairs. The Church Commissioners view this scheme as an effective way to deliver transformational benefits to local communities, enabling restoration, repair and improved access. I welcome the support shown for the scheme by hon. Members across the House.

[Dave Robertson]

The listed places of worship grant scheme is essential to renovations and improvements being made by St Michael on Greenhill church in my constituency. Can the Second Church Estates Commissioner give any assurance to me and my constituents across Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages that this grant and Government support will be available to support excellent projects such as the creation of a new community hub?

[Marsha De Cordova]

I congratulate my hon. Friend on raising this issue. It is so important to ensure that our local churches are supported and that churches such as St Michael’s in his constituency can deliver the repairs they need so that they can continue to be a benefit to their communities. The National Churches Trust recently found that for every £1 of investment £16 is returned to the local community in the form of events facilities, warm spaces, food banks and so much more. He will not be surprised to learn that I have raised the issue of the listed places of worship scheme with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and I really hope that the Government are listening and will want to continue with this vital and essential scheme.