Oral Answers to Questions

Liz Twist Excerpts

Thursday 16th January 2025 Commons Chamber

[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.

[Ruth Jones (Newport West and Islwyn) (Lab)]

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

--- Later in debate ---

[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.

[Liz Twist]

St Ives church in Leadgate in my constituency is known as the miners’ cathedral. The building is full of heritage, but costly maintenance issues are threatening its very survival. The church has secured grants to fund temporary fixes, but a long-term solution is desperately needed. It tells me that reclaiming tax can make all the difference, so will my hon. Friend reassure me that schemes like that will continue to help churches such as St Ives?

[Marsha De Cordova]

I thank my hon. Friend for her question. I know that St Ives church is a cornerstone of that community, and I congratulate the congregation on the funding they have raised to stabilise some of the church’s structures. Grants from the buildings for mission fund are available from the diocese and may help with some of the future work. However, we all know the importance of the listed places of worship scheme, and I will continue to raise it with the Secretary of State. I hope that the Government are listening and will come forward, as the scheme is due to end in March, and we certainly do not want that to happen.