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

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to protect, preserve and improve the condition of war memorials erected in streets, squares and public spaces in the UK.

War memorials play a very important role in our cultural heritage, holding a deep emotional resonance with people across the country. HM Government will never forget the great bravery, selflessness, and distinction of all the servicemen and women who served their country during times of conflict, and it is only right that appropriate steps be taken to protect the many war memorials that honour those who gave their lives in that service.

The safety and protection of war memorials falls to local authorities and local constabularies, in consultation with the owners of the memorials.

The primary role for my Department regarding war memorials is managing the DCMS Memorial Grant Scheme, which makes grants towards the VAT incurred by charities and faith groups in the construction, repair, and maintenance of public memorial structures, including war memorials. The scheme has a fixed budget of £400,000 per annum for this spending review period.