The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme was introduced by the Labour Government in 2004 to address the challenges posed by VAT on the upkeep of historic buildings. The scheme has been consistently renewed by successive governments. However, with its current commitment due to end in March 2025, uncertainty now looms, creating difficulties for planning and budgeting future repairs.
Ahead of a debate in Westminster Hall on Wednesday, 23 January, Icon has written to the Prime Minister in his capacity as the constituency MP for Holborn and St Pancras. In this letter, we highlighted the risks that removing support for the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme would have on the conservation, care, and maintenance of places of worship, as well as the significant threat this poses to the conservation profession.
We encourage professionals to write to their local MPs to express support for the continuation of the scheme. There many useful templates are available, however, we strongly urge those who wish to submit a response to personalise their letters to ensure the voice of the sector is heard clearly and effectively.
Suggested points to include in letters are as follows:
- The impact of ending support for the LPWGS on your business.
- How much of your work depends on the care and maintenance of places of worship.
- Your experiences working with local community groups.
- Challenges already observed when working with communities lacking the budgets to employ fully trained and qualified conservator-restorers.
- Your specialist skills, the time invested in developing them, and how funding cuts could affect your area of the sector.
We have included Icon's response below for reference.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us by emailing [email protected].
2025.01.20 - LPWGS Letter.pdf
