Baroness Seccombe (Con)

My Lords, I thank my noble and learned friend Lady Prentis for bringing this important debate before the House. Parish churches are so often the centre of local communities, including for people of all faiths and none. Nothing can compensate when a centuries-old church closes its doors. Over the past half century, approximately 8,500 churches of all denominations have closed. This is a profound tragedy. During the pandemic, the doors of all our church buildings were suddenly shut, and 75% of the respondents to the National Churches Trust survey said that this had a negative effect on their community. Priests were forbidden by their own bishops from entering the churches that they are called to love and serve—even from ringing the bells to let people know that they were being prayed for. May those decisions never be repeated. As I live alone, I found lockdown particularly difficult. I discovered that the only way I could see other people was when I was shopping. Shopping and embroidery kept me going. I was greatly relieved when I was able to join my son’s bubble, and so in my Toyota hybrid I travelled to and fro—but thankfully very economically. Of course, the established Church has much to answer for. But it appears that the Government are misunderstanding the role of our church buildings once again. It is shameful that the funding was cut by almost half for the listed places of worship scheme in its last year, and now the new places of worship renewal fund will see drastically fewer churches receive any government support. Repair works can be expensive, and increasingly so, but they are essential to maintaining our heritage—not just England’s but Wales’s, Scotland’s and Northern Ireland’s. I agree with the right reverend Prelate that the new places of worship renewal fund should be accessible to listed places of worship across our whole country. Church communities and their volunteers are the custodians of this heritage, yet they are under attack. The Countryside Alliance estimated that 10 crimes were committed every day on church property in 2025, and the true figure may well be higher. What is the government action to tackle this? The damage caused to our altars and stained-glass windows traumatises congregations and tears apart communities. It causes the need for yet more repairs, beyond the usual day-to-day maintenance of these magnificent buildings. They need our help. It seems that all these volunteers are asking for is that their fundraising efforts for repairs are not taxed further with the addition of VAT. I would be grateful if the Minister can tell us why the Government insist on doing so.