Supporting South Cambridgeshire’s Historic Places of Worship

For over 23 years, the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has been a lifeline for congregations in South Cambridgeshire, enabling them to afford essential repairs to historic buildings that often serve as the beating heart of their communities. These cherished spaces host youth groups, provide warm gathering places, and even served as vaccine centres during the pandemic.

I spoke with Reverend Karin Voth Harman in Cherry Hinton who told me that without the Listed Place of Worship Grant scheme (which reimburses VAT expenses on repairs, building works or maintenance) then St Andrew's would be damp and crumbling instead of the vibrant community hub it currently is. So for me it was vital that this scheme was extended beyond 2025.

Holding this debate required the Minister to come and be accountable. When he replied at the end, I was relieved to hear him commit to continuing the scheme for another year. Turning up and speaking up for constituents matters! However, this cautious welcome comes with concerns. One year of certainty is not enough for congregations applying for long-term capital grants—they need assurance that this vital support will extend beyond 2025. Additionally, the scheme’s new lower cap raises questions about whether it will fully meet the needs of our community.

Churches across our area rely heavily on this funding. For example:

• Bassingbourn Parish Church’s plans to restore their church for original use as community space and to reduce dependence on fossil fuel heating.
• Great Shelford Parish Church depends on the scheme to preserve its historic Doom painting.
• Medieval churches in Fen Ditton, Horningsea, and Teversham face steep restoration costs.
• Community spaces in All Saints Church at Harston, expanded during lockdown, could see setbacks.

Watch my speech in the Westminster Hall Debate on the Listed Places for Worship Grant Scheme below: