The latest news about church heritage including how to save it, things to look out for and interesting places to visit. You'll also find stories from churches, chapels and meeting houses from across the UK sharing about the wonderful ways they are keeping their buildings open and in use.
The details of the Spending Review have been announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The Department of Culture, Media & Sport [DCMS] has been given its budget for the next three years. One choice DCMS must now make is whether to fund the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme – a scheme that has so far saved over 13,000 churches but now faces an uncertain future.
During a Westminster Hall debate, MPs from different political parties urged the Government to fund church buildings if they want to continue to see vulnerable people helped and heritage saved. It was great to see MPs from different parties speak about the value of churches and show their support for The Listed Places of Worship Grants scheme. Find out more about what was covered in the debate here.
The Countryside Alliance published new research showing that, on average, at least eight crimes took place at churches every day from 2022-2024. The statistics are sadly no surprise. And now, through no fault of their own, repair costs to fix the damage will be up to 20 percent more expensive for listed churches.
Changes by the Government have made repairs to any listed place of worship up to 20 per cent more expensive to carry out. Despite this devastating blow for churches, we are pleased to announce in our latest round of grants, we have helped 42 churches, chapels and cathedrals, so they can help keep their buildings open and serving the community.
The National Churches Trust responds to the decision made by the UK Government on the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme. Find out more about the decision and what this will mean for churches.
As organisations responsible for the church buildings belonging to the Catholic Church in England and Wales, the Church in Wales, the Church of England, the Church of Scotland, and as representatives of the Association of English Cathedrals, the Historic Religious Buildings Alliance and the National Churches Trust, we have grave concerns about the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme and call for its urgent renewal.
Bradley Thomas, the Conservative MP for Bromsgrove, has tabled a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday January 22. This is a crucial next step in raising awareness about the importance of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme. The scheme – a lifeline for historic churches – is set to run out in March. Find out more about the Westminster Hall debate and how you can get involved.
Antrim All Saints Parish church is the oldest church still used for worship in Northern Ireland. But it has just faced a new and urgent challenge: fire.
Heritage is at risk like never before in the UK. But together, we are able to make a difference to churches, chapels and meeting houses – keeping them open and in use and protecting them for the future. In our latest round of grants, 53 places of worship now have hope for the future – thanks to you.
New data reveals England’s church heritage ‘danger zones’ and shows the number of churches at risk in MP’s constituencies. Find out how many churches, chapels, cathedrals and meeting houses are at risk in your constituency and what you can do to save them.
High costs of repairs, dwindling congregation numbers and lack of financial support are making the future of many church buildings in Scotland uncertain. But the National Churches Trust is working in partnership with other organisations in Scotland to help equip places of worship to weather these uncertain times.
In her Autumn Budget, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves made no announcement about the extension of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme. This is concerning – and why we need your help. Please write to your MP today to urge them to renew the scheme to help churches stay open and in good repair.
