Richard was recently contacted by the Minister for Arts & Heritage regarding the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, for which his Department provides funding of up to £42 million per year.
Since 2010, the Gov has invested more than £346 million to listed places of worship nationwide and since August 2022, North East Bedfordshire has received over £120,000.
The scheme provides grants towards the VAT paid on repairs and maintenance to the nation’s listed places of worship – of any religious group or denomination. The scheme presently handles around 7,000 claims per year, and applies to the whole UK.
People responsible for looking after listed places of worship can benefit from the scheme by visiting https://listed-places-of-worship-grant.dcms.gov.uk. The website sets out the criteria for eligibility and details of how to apply. The building’s sole or main use must be as a public place of worship and it must be used for this at least six times a year.
Richard Fuller MP said:
Places of worship are often at the heart of our communities, bringing people of all ages together, and represent some of our finest heritage. Listed places of
worship in North East Bedfordshire have received over £120,000 in funding since August 2022 to support the preservation of these architectural treasures and provide a positive impact on these historic and important buildings.I would encourage listed places of worship in the constituency, especially those which might not have yet benefited from the scheme, to visit the website and find out more.