A group of MPs from different parties is pushing the government to keep the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS) going. They’re afraid that recent budget cuts and claim limits might mess up needed repair work all over the UK. Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, who leads the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Select Committee, is asking ministers to keep the program around for good and get rid of the £25,000 yearly limit on claims. Religious leaders are worried that this limit could really hurt their ability to take care of some of the UK’s oldest and most valued buildings.
Why This Matters The LPWGS helps religious buildings, like churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples, get tax money back on repairs that cost over £1,000. It’s been a big help for years, letting communities care for religious buildings that are important local spots. But, the program’s budget got cut, and the new claim limit is making bigger repair jobs tougher. MPs and groups that care about old buildings are warning that if the money isn’t steady, repairs might stop, which would be bad for many sites.
What the Committee Wants In a letter to Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross, Dame Caroline Dinenage said: This program shows we think churches are important and want to keep our heritage safe. If we don’t know what’s happening with it, a lot of repair projects might not even start.
The Committee is pushing for:
Money for the LPWGS to be permanent, not just renewed every year.
Getting rid of the £25,000 limit, so bigger repairs can happen.
Putting the budget back where it was to meet the country’s needs.
Experts and Religious Leaders Agree
Groups that care about old buildings and religious leaders are supporting the Committee: The Church of England says the program is a lifeline for churches struggling with repair costs. The National Churches Trust says every £1 spent on church repairs brings money back to the community. The data suggest that nearly half of the UK’s most important old buildings are religious buildings, and almost 1,000 are at risk if they don’t get help.
It’s Not Just About the Buildings
MPs say the program does more than just keep old buildings standing. Religious buildings are often community centers, with food banks, warm spaces, youth groups, and mental health help. If the money goes away, these things could be at risk.
What Happens Next?
The government has kept the LPWGS going until March 2026, but people say it’s not good enough. The next Spending Review is coming up, and everyone’s watching to see if the government will listen to the Committee and protect the UK’s religious and cultural history.
