Thank you to all those who have contacted me about the continuation of the Listed Placed of Worship (LPW) grant scheme.

Religious buildings, including churches, are a vital part of our national heritage. The maintenance, restoration, and running of the UK’s historic buildings provides employment and attracts tourism, businesses, and investment. These buildings are integral to the civic life of many towns and cities and often play a central role in their regeneration.

Beyond their historical and economic contributions, churches and associated charities provide essential support to people of all faiths and none. These spaces often serve as community hubs where volunteers come together to help the most vulnerable.

I fully recognise the vital role that the LPW scheme has played, particularly for churches, which receives no regular financial support from the Government and often depend on local volunteers for fundraising.

I understand that the Chancellor has now set departmental budgets for 2025-26, and that the decisions around individual schemes, such as the LPW scheme, will be decided later in the financial year.

I am aware that the Church has written to the Treasury to advocate for the scheme’s continuation. Please rest assured that my colleagues will carefully consider their perspective, along with input from other stakeholders, as they make their decision in the coming months.

Thank you once again to those who have contacted me about this important issue.