Watch my full speech on YouTube.
Earlier this year I was delighted that the Labour Government confirmed they would extend the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, providing £23 million for the year so that thousands of historical buildings, including churches, can carry out restoration work. This includes many in my constituency who have been busily co-ordinating their improvement plans.
20 churches in South West Norfolk benefited from the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme between August 2022 and December 2023 alone, with funding of nearly £35,000 shared between them. I hope many more will take advantage of this extended support this year.
It is essential in my view that we continue to provide such funding, and it’s a very wise investment too, for every £1 invested in a church building, the HM Treasury Green Book estimates the benefit to communities at over £16.
Churches, particularly in rural areas like my constituency, are often the very heartbeat of the community.
