MPs are warning that some of Britain’s most historic churches could be at risk, as concerns grow over a new £25,000 cap and the possible scrapping of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.
The scheme, which helps cover the cost of repairs and renovations to listed churches, has long been seen as a vital support for communities trying to preserve their historic and religious buildings. But with a strict annual cap now in place, and no guarantee it will continue beyond 2026, many churches may struggle to stay open.
Speaking in the Commons this week during Church Commissioners, Labour MP for North East Derbyshire called for an urgent assessment of the impact.
“In North East Derbyshire, we’re proud of our beautiful, historic churches,” she said. “We need clarity about the scheme’s future so we can keep these places going for generations to come.”
Responding, Marsha de Cordova MP, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, confirmed that around 260 churches would be affected by the changes, with 206 already mid-way through multi-year repair projects.
“I’ve met with churches and the Minister for Arts and Tourism,” she said. “I encourage MPs to press the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for answers.”
There’s also concern that the £25,000 cap doesn’t reflect today’s costs. Labour MP for Thurrock pointed to St Nicholas Church in Ockendon, a Grade I listed building with major repair needs. “These churches are more than historic sites — they’re hubs for community life,” she said.
Jayne Kirkham MP agreed, highlighting St Probus and St Grace Church in Cornwall, which dates back to 930 AD and now needs a new roof. “Without proper funding, the vital work these churches do — warm spaces, coffee mornings, food banks — could disappear.”
De Cordova said the Church Commissioners have so far provided around £9 million in grants, and support officers are available to advise on repairs. But she admitted that, without long-term funding commitments, that may not be enough.
DUP MP for Strangford Jim Shannon said the £25,000 limit simply isn’t realistic, given rising costs. “Let’s be honest — materials are 30 to 50 per cent more expensive than they were a year ago,” he said. He called for better coordination with groups like the Heritage Lottery Fund to unlock more funding.
De Cordova concluded the discussion by promising to follow up with MPs individually, and pointed to the Church Commissioners’ Building Emissions Fund as another source of help but acknowledged it can only go so far.