Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has plans to ensure that (a) churches and (b) other places of worship continue to have adequate insurance for metal and stone theft after making a claim.

The Government believes that it is important that everyone has access to suitable insurance products at the right price.

As a rule, insurers use their claims experience and other industry-wide statistics to set the terms and price at which they will offer insurance cover. Insurers make a risk assessment based on the likelihood a claim being made and the potential cost of that claim.

To assist with building costs, the Government made up to £42 million per annum available for the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme which provides grants towards the VAT paid on repairs, maintenance and alterations to listed buildings that are used principally as places of worship. Since its inception in 2001, the scheme has made 48,196 individual grants to 17,324 places of worship at a total cost of over £223m. The scheme applies to all faiths and denominations and is delivered UK wide.