Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department has taken to protect historic memorials in churches.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport supports the preservation of historical memorials in churches through financial assistance provided by the Department's Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme and the Memorial Grant Scheme.

The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme provides grants to cover the VAT expenses associated with repair and conservation of listed places of worship. This includes conservation efforts for monuments situated in listed places of worship. These grants apply when the monument is an integral part of the building's structure.

The Memorial Grant Scheme provides financial assistance for VAT costs incurred by registered charities and for faith groups which are excepted from registering as charities. This scheme supports the creation, restoration, and ongoing maintenance of memorial structures, including those situated in places of worship.