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Written Question
Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
Monday 19th January 2026

Asked by: Kirsteen Sullivan (Labour (Co-op) - Bathgate and Linlithgow)

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions she has had with colleagues in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on the long-term future of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.

Answered by Marsha De Cordova

All faith communities with listed buildings are still waiting for clarity from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on what will happen when the current scheme ends in March 2026. Over 200 MPs have raised concerns in the past year about the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. This uncertainty is already delaying essential repairs and community projects. In the Hon Lady for Bathgate and Linlithgow’s constituency, for example, St Michael’s Church is preparing major repairs to its roof and walls, which the Kirk anticipates costing £1.1 million.

In my role as the Second Church Estates Commissioner, I met the Minister for Heritage just before Christmas and was assured that the Government will publish the evaluation report and provide an update on the future of the scheme soon. I continue to work closely with the Church Buildings Department of the Church Commissioners, other partners, and faith communities to ensure a sustainable long-term solution for our buildings. I also discussed with the Minister how historic churches serve as anchors of local identity and community life. Historic places of worship contribute an estimated £55 billion in social value, and the National Churches Trust has shown that every £1 invested in a church generates £16 in community benefit.

While I am not responsible for churches in Scotland, I will write to the hon. Member for Bathgate and Linlithgow to introduce her to the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office, which can offer more tailored local advice and support.

Division Vote (Commons)
14 Jan 2026 - Public Order - View Vote Context
Kirsteen Sullivan (LAB) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 295 Labour Aye votes vs 26 Labour No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 301 Noes - 110
Speech in Commons Chamber - Wed 14 Jan 2026
Oral Answers to Questions

"After 19 years of an SNP Government, does the Secretary of State agree that yesterday’s budget reflects broken public services and decades of economic stagnation? For many families, that means there is just too much month at the end of the money...."
Kirsteen Sullivan - View Speech

View all Kirsteen Sullivan (LAB - Bathgate and Linlithgow) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions
Division Vote (Commons)
13 Jan 2026 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Kirsteen Sullivan (LAB) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 323 Labour Aye votes vs 0 Labour No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 348 Noes - 167
Division Vote (Commons)
13 Jan 2026 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Kirsteen Sullivan (LAB) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 334 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 187 Noes - 351
Division Vote (Commons)
13 Jan 2026 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Kirsteen Sullivan (LAB) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 328 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 172 Noes - 334
Division Vote (Commons)
13 Jan 2026 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Kirsteen Sullivan (LAB) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 325 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 181 Noes - 335
Division Vote (Commons)
13 Jan 2026 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Kirsteen Sullivan (LAB) voted Aye - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 328 Labour Aye votes vs 0 Labour No votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 344 Noes - 173
Division Vote (Commons)
13 Jan 2026 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Kirsteen Sullivan (LAB) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 321 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 184 Noes - 331
Division Vote (Commons)
12 Jan 2026 - Finance (No. 2) Bill - View Vote Context
Kirsteen Sullivan (LAB) voted No - in line with the party majority and in line with the House
One of 333 Labour No votes vs 0 Labour Aye votes
Vote Tally: Ayes - 188 Noes - 341