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.

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.