On 22 January 2026, the UK Government confirmed the end of Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. They have instead announced a new funding package for arts and culture, including places of worship:
→ Government announces bumper £1.5 billion package to restore national pride – GOV.UK
The specific part of the announcement relevant to places of worship reads as follows:
‘In recognition of the important role religious heritage buildings play in the UK’s national story, a new £92 million fund called the Places of Worship Renewal Fund will replace the £23 million Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme and bring these important buildings into line with other heritage assets. It will give them access to the same level of financial support from the government as historic houses, monuments and other heritage sites.’
While we welcome this, no detail is available yet on how the new Fund will work. The diocesan Care of Churches and DAC Team are currently trying to find out more from the National Church and other partner organisations who lobbied for the LPWGS to become permanent.
The most important message for now is that churches will not be able to claim VAT back after 31 March this year. Parishes with any eligible invoices for works at their church buildings are urged to submit their claims as soon as possible. The budget for claims for this year was £23 million, with less than 5 million remaining at the time of writing. Please use this online tracker to check how much money is still in the pot: → Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme funding tracker.
Claims submitted after 31 March will not be considered.
If you have any questions or queries, please email Adam Klups, Care of Churches and DAC Team Leader, at ku.gro.coidsolg@spulKA.
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