Bradley Thomas

Bradley Thomas

Conservative — Bromsgrove

Speaking in the House of Commons on 22 January 2025

Debate

Listed Places of Worship Scheme

Contribution

I agree wholeheartedly that this is not just about the social value. There is a profound economic value that goes beyond the £30 million I referenced. The Church of England alone has a backlog of repairs to parish churches estimated at more than £1 billion, with the annual need estimated at £150 million per year. Large-scale closures are also sweeping across Scotland and Wales. There are 969 places of worship on Historic England’s 2024 heritage at risk register, and more than 60% of MPs in England have a church, chapel, meeting house or cathedral in their constituency that is on the register. The listed places of worship grant scheme is the only regular financial support the Government provide to help those looking after these buildings. By “financial support”, I mean simply a refund of the tax already paid to the Exchequer.

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