The Places of Worship Renewal Fund established in place of the Listed Places of Worship VAT scheme is now open for applications. The announcement is on the DCMS website.
We encourage parishes to consult the webpage, hosted by Historic England, which is administering the scheme. The new fund will focus on:
- Urgent fabric repairs
- Essential improvements: electrical upgrades, heating, toilets and step-free access
Please note:
- The first deadline for an expression of interest is 14 June 2026. Full details of the information needed, according to the size of grant requested, are on the Historic England website.
- There will be future opportunities to apply, and the next one will be September 2026.
- The Government wants the funding to reach where there is the greatest need for investment and the most community benefit.
- Some types of work will attract VAT at a lower or zero rate. There is a note on the Church of England website to explain where a lower rate may be available, but each PCC or Chapter will need to take its own tax advice.
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