Christian leaders warn Government over closure of church repair grants

Christian leaders from across different denominations have warned the closure of a funding scheme will leave them struggling to repair the roofs of historic churches.

A number of church leaders will be speaking to UK ministers about their concerns over the closure of the listed places of worship grant scheme (LPWGS).

This offers grants towards VAT on repairs and renovations to listed places of worship, with up to £25,000 available to an organisation each year.

The Scottish Church Leaders’ Forum said a sudden end to the scheme will “severely affect community efforts to fix roofs, maintain ageing heating systems and hold back damp”.

The Forum, which represents a number of denominations, have written to UK DCMS Secretary Lisa Nandy to voice their concerns, saying the scheme for Scotland is being abruptly closed in March with no consultation.

Their letter says that church leaders have been told that heritage is a devolved matter, but ministers are urged to see churches as a “cornerstone for many communities across the UK”.

Rt Rev Rosie Frew, moderator of the general assembly of the Church of Scotland, and Rt Rev John Keenan of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, are also taking part in talks with Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill later in March.

The Church of Scotland alone has more than 1,100 listed properties, which it says need constant upkeep and repair.

Ms Frew is one of nine church leaders who signed the letter sent to the UK Culture Secretary, which seeks to clarify why denominations affected were not directly consulted on a policy change that “may threaten the viability of some buildings altogether”.

She said: “We were surprised to learn, via a press release, that LPWGS is being closed at the end of the month and very disappointed that this decision was taken without any formal consultation with religious denominations in Scotland.

“The UK Government announced a replacement grant scheme for England only at the end of January and the UK Government appears not to have informed the Scottish Government prior to this unexpected announcement.

“We are seeking urgent clarification and assurances that money will continue to be made available in Scotland to fund essential repairs to listed church buildings.

“We have no idea what the implications are for the Barnett Formula, where devolved governments receive a proportion of funding when the UK Government spends money for England.”

She continued: “We acknowledge the current budgetary constraints facing all levels of government, but listed churches are not simply about curating cultural architecture, they are important centres for the whole community.

“They are living, breathing spaces at the heart of communities, the length and breadth of Scotland, and play a vital role in community life, hosting social action/outreach work including food banks, activities for schools, young people and the elderly.”

Ms Frew said the decision would have an impact on current repair projects, adding: “The church has been forced to sell many historic and beloved buildings in recent years because we can’t afford to keep and run them, due to changing demographics and behaviour patterns.

“Sadly, the likelihood is that this move will make further disposals happen sooner.”

The UK Government said the LPWGS has now closed, having been extended for the 2025/26 financial year with funding of £23 million.

The Government said it was working with others who supplied funding to the sector. It said decisions on where Barnett consequentials are spent are a matter for the devolved governments.