Oral Answers to Questions

Peter Prinsley Excerpts

Thursday 16th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Marsha De Cordova]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for all his contributions at Church questions. I hope he does not mind if I write to update him on what takes place over the summer.

[Peter Prinsley (Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket) (Lab)]

6. What discussions the Church has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the planned timetable for the introduction of the places of worship renewal fund.

[Marsha De Cordova]

It is good to see my hon. Friend back in his place after his injury. I understand that he was running with his children when it happened.

[Marsha De Cordova]

He couldn’t keep up with his children, obviously! [Laughter.] Apologies, Mr Speaker.

The new places of worship renewal fund will be managed by Historic England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The fund totals £92 million over four years and will support capital repairs to listed places of worship. Priority will be given to buildings in areas of high deprivation or community need. Applications are expected to start with an expression of interest, followed by a full application, with efforts made to minimise administrative burdens on smaller parishes.

[Peter Prinsley]

I thank my hon. Friend for her answer. Church leaders in Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket are rightly concerned about the cancellation of the listed places of worship grant scheme. Will the Church Commissioner outline what conversations she has had with the Government regarding the support and guidance given to those people who are concerned with the upkeep of churches in my constituency and across the country? It is surely for our generation to preserve the legacy bequeathed to us by our forefathers.