Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
The future of some of the UK’s most cherished historic churches and cathedrals has been brought into sharper focus following a cross-party call to secure and strengthen the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS).
After more than two decades of helping places of worship reclaim VAT costs on essential repairs, there is renewed pressure on the government not just to extend the scheme - but to make it permanent.
Introduced in 2001, the scheme was designed to recognise the unique role churches play in both heritage and community life. It allows listed places of worship from all faith traditions to apply for grants that cover the VAT incurred on repairs costing over £1,000.
However, recent changes to the scheme have raised concern across the sector. While a one-year extension was confirmed in January, it came with a significant reduction in available funding and introduced a £25,000 cap on claims - putting vital restoration and maintena…
