Faith
Labour Axes Church Repair Funds, Threatening Scottish Heritage
Faith Facts
- Scottish Christian leaders warn abrupt end of LPWGS severely hampers church building maintenance.
- Labour government halts scheme, slashes budget for replacement, adding new tax burdens.
- Historic churches, vital community hubs for outreach and aid, face closures amid financial strain.
Christian leaders in Scotland decry the sudden termination of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, established in 2001 to exempt historic churches from VAT on repairs.
This Labour decision leaves churches struggling to fix roofs, heating systems, and combat damp, endangering structures central to faith and community life.
The National Churches Trust highlights that the replacement Places of Worship Renewal Fund lacks readiness, shares the reduced budget, and imposes prior nonexistent taxes.
Church of Scotland Moderator Rt Rev Rosie Frew notes over 1,100 listed properties at risk, with some already sold due to demographics and costs.
“We were surprised to learn, via a press release, that LPWGS is being closed at the end of the month and very disappointed that this decision was taken without any formal consultation with religious denominations in Scotland.”
“Listed churches are not simply about curating cultural architecture, they are important centres for the whole community. They are living, breathing spaces at the heart of communities, hosting social action including foodbanks, activities for schools, young people and the elderly.”
Rt Rev John Keenan warns of massive impacts on Catholic dioceses, losing over £100,000 annually in one alone for maintenance.
In declining areas, churches offer solidarity, consolation, and hope amid depopulation.
As faithful stewards of God’s sacred spaces that nurture families and freedoms, pray for divine wisdom to restore vital support and urge leaders to honor our Christian heritage through patriotic action.