The Archbishop of York has called on the government to make the Listed Places of Worship Grant scheme permanent, describing it as a “lifeline” for churches since its introduction in 2001. 

Speaking at the National Churches Trust conference in London on Tuesday, Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York warned that “churches are incredibly anxious about the future” of the scheme, which helps fund repairs and maintenance for listed places of worship. 

In January, the government extended the grant for one year, capping funding at £23m, with individual sites able to claim up to £25,000. 

However, Archbishop Stephen said temporary extensions were not enough, urging heritage minister Baroness Twycross to recognise the scheme’s long-term importance. 

“We urge the heritage minister to recognise that this vital scheme has been a lifeline for church and cathedral buildings for over 20 years, and we want to make it permanent", he said. 

He added that churches have been “doing all they can” to fund repairs, accessibility works and sustainability improvements. “We welcome an ongoing partnership with the government, Church and State playing its part together for these places of community”. 

Archbishop Stephen also spoke about the “staggering” number of social projects hosted in churches, many of which are open daily.  

“To lose them, to hamper our ability to renew and restore them, will cause irreparable damage not just to brick and stone, but to hearts and minds”, he added.