Faith
Starmer Cuts Leave Churches Repair-Fundless
Faith Facts
- Starmer government halved Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme budget to £23 million, now fully depleted before March 31 end.
- 25-year VAT exemption on church repairs, started by Labour Chancellor in 2001, abruptly terminated.
- Thousands of historic churches risk urgent repairs amid uncertain new Places of Worship Renewal Fund at same low budget.
Historic churches across Britain stand as sacred guardians of our Christian heritage.
The Starmer government’s funding slashes abandon God’s houses to decay and financial ruin.
These vital places of worship, nurturing faith and family for generations, now face impossible repair costs without vital government support rooted in biblical stewardship of creation.
The National Churches Trust warns of profound hardship as the longstanding scheme vanishes, replaced by a taxed, underfunded alternative that burdens local believers.
Church of England leaders decry added strain on fundraisers, echoing Proverbs 22:8’s warning against sowing injustice.
Sir Philip Rutnam, Chair of the NCT, said
“The money running out in the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme before the scheme is set to end leaves potentially hundreds of churches in the lurch.”
“Today, 21,000 historic places of worship, the vast majority churches, will start bearing the cost of new taxes.”
“After 25 successful years, the government has removed a lifeline for churches which was introduced by a Labour Chancellor in 2001, allowing them to reclaim VAT on repairs. With 1000s of churches at risk, this is yet another blow to our national heritage as many will now be unable to pay for urgent repairs.”
Believers, rally in prayer and action to defend these holy sites—our freedom to worship demands patriotic defense of faith’s foundations against godless policy.