The National Churches Trust says the government has left hundreds of places of worship “in the lurch”, as money in its Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has run out six weeks before it was supposed to.

An estimated 21,000 churches were eligible to benefit from the scheme, which allows churches in listed buildings to claim money back for the VAT on their repairs and renovations. Around half of Britain’s churches are in listed buildings.

"This affects everything," Ben Sims, of the National Churches Trust (NCT), told Premier Christian News. "Things like new toilets or disabled access routes can all be part of repair work. It affects volunteering work and accessibility... We know of one church which needs a disabled access ramp installed. But it's struggling with costs, so at the moment, disabled members of the church are having to be physically carried up the steps." 

The Department for Media, Culture and Sport has vowed to replace the scheme with a Places of Worship Renewal fund, with a total budget of £92 million, subject to tax; however, this has not been finalised.

“Why is a new scheme not up and running already?” the NCT said. “We now are likely to have a significant period where there is no Government support available to churches – something that was entirely avoidable.”

The NCT is calling on the government to reinstate the original scheme, describing it as a "relatively affordable" and effective means of preserving British culture. 

"Churches are the nation's biggest museum," Sims said. "Their beautiful stained glass and architecture - apart from a small number of churches - it's all free to enter and access. It's really important they are supported." 

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has been contacted for comment.