Church leaders fear for the future of Norfolk’s historic buildings

Church leaders are fearing for the future of Norfolk’s historic buildings as a huge pot of funding worth millions of pounds could be cut.

The Bishop of Norwich has warned churches may struggle to keep running and may become at risk if the government stops its Listed Places of Worship scheme, which is due to end in March 2025.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has confirmed to the Diocese of Norwich it is under consideration, with no clear indication it will continue.

It has prompted a rallying call for the county’s MPs to lobby the government and demand it is renewed before it ceases early next year.

The Bishop of Norwich, Rt Rev Graham Usher, said: “Many of our churches, as well as being treasuries of centuries of faith and history, art, music and architecture, are also used to serve some of the most vulnerable in their communities.

“The Listed Places of Worship Scheme has been continued by successive governments because it provides essential help for local communities who look after the incredible church buildings in their care.

“Without the scheme, 20pc VAT is added to the costs of maintaining these historic heritage buildings which will mean that much-needed repairs will not be done and our beloved churches in Norfolk could potentially become at risk.”

With Norfolk having the highest concentrations of medieval churches in the world, keeping these historic buildings in good condition is a monumental challenge.

About 95pc of the churches in the Diocese of Norwich are listed buildings

The funding has provided millions of pounds in support for repairs through grants that cover the VAT on building work to listed churches costing more than £1,000 since it began in 2001.

Last year, more than 200 churches in Norfolk benefited from a share of £42m.

This included Norwich’s two cathedrals, which combined were worth about £100,000.

St Margaret de Westwick, also in the city, was the biggest beneficiary, receiving more than £90,000.

In the last 14 years, the fund has invested £346m in listed churches, synagogues, mosques and temples.

It provides grants towards the VAT incurred on eligible costs, such as works to the roofs, masonry and monuments integral to the buildings.

The risk of the funding being cut is causing clergy members to face a stressful few weeks as they race to complete repairs before March.

St Peter’s Church in Strumpshaw, which has stood in the centre of the village for more than 750 years, desperately needs to replace the louvres in the belfry of the medieval Grade I listed building.

But the work has been delayed.

Churchwarden Hilary Hammond said: “If VAT is charged, this would add some £2,400 to our costs, which we can ill afford.”

Other senior church figures in the country have said churches may be forced to close if repair work becomes unaffordable and other grants and funding is not able to cover it.

Clive Lewis, Labour MP for Norwich South, has called for the funding to be continued.

He said: “Many constituents have contacted me, expressing their concerns about the potential impact of the scheme’s discontinuation on Norwich’s remarkable collection of medieval churches, which are a cornerstone of our cultural and historical legacy.

“I hope the government will recognise the importance of this support and ensure that these cherished places of worship continue to be preserved for future generations.”

The DCMS has not responded to a request for comment about the future plans for the scheme.