Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps his Department is taking to help quantify the (a) economic and (b) social value of faith groups to the UK.

Faith is a vital part of peoples’ identities and of their communities. It guides the moral outlook of many, inspiring great numbers of people to public service. This Government recognises the huge contribution of people of faith to public life, and supports the work of faith groups across the country to provide help to those in need.

We are currently considering the findings and recommendations of Colin Bloom’s independent review on faith engagement, published last year. This review presents us with an opportunity to understand better the contribution of faith groups to our society, and the vital role that they play in our national life.