Oral Answers to Questions

Kirsteen Sullivan Excerpts

Thursday 16th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[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.

[Liz Twist (Blaydon and Consett) (Lab)]

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

--- Later in debate ---

[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.

[Kirsteen Sullivan]

The construction of St Michael’s church in Linlithgow began in 1424, and it is a significant centre of worship in the newly formed parish of Linlithgow and Avon Valley. As a category A listed site, it has benefited greatly from the listed places of worship grant scheme over the years. Can my hon. Friend advise what engagement the commissioners have had with representatives of Churches in Scotland on the importance and effectiveness of the scheme?

[Marsha De Cordova]

I know that St Michael’s church in Linlithgow in my hon. Friend’s constituency is a beautiful medieval church with strong community links and engagement. Although I am accountable only for the Church of England, I reassure her that the Church is working closely with its partners in Scotland, as they too want clarity on the future of this vital scheme. I would be happy to put her in touch with the head of church buildings for the Church of Scotland if she so wishes.