Nick Timothy MP's Survey: The Future of Local Churches
Dear Constituent,
Like other places across the country, local parish churches are at risk. The Church of England faces a repair backlog estimated at over £1 billion. West Suffolk churches depend on the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme to keep roofs and walls from crumbling.
This Government has slashed the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme budget from £42 million to £23 million annually, while imposing a £25,000 cap on claims for the first time. Introduced in 2001, the scheme allows for VAT grants on repairs of more than £1,000 to be claimed for essential restoration and maintenance. The Conservatives have promised to return the Scheme to its full extent.
Meanwhile, the Church of England has said it will spend £100 million over nine years in reparations because of its historical links to transatlantic slavery. Along with other MPs and peers I have written to the incoming Archbishop of Canterbury urging her to redirect this funding to other priorities, including to help the nearly 1,000 places of worship across the country which are on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
Your views matter. Please tell me your thoughts by answering the questions below.
Like other places across the country, local parish churches are at risk. The Church of England faces a repair backlog estimated at over £1 billion. West Suffolk churches depend on the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme to keep roofs and walls from crumbling.
This Government has slashed the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme budget from £42 million to £23 million annually, while imposing a £25,000 cap on claims for the first time. Introduced in 2001, the scheme allows for VAT grants on repairs of more than £1,000 to be claimed for essential restoration and maintenance. The Conservatives have promised to return the Scheme to its full extent.
Meanwhile, the Church of England has said it will spend £100 million over nine years in reparations because of its historical links to transatlantic slavery. Along with other MPs and peers I have written to the incoming Archbishop of Canterbury urging her to redirect this funding to other priorities, including to help the nearly 1,000 places of worship across the country which are on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
Your views matter. Please tell me your thoughts by answering the questions below.
Best wishes,
Nick Timothy, Member of Parliament for West Suffolk