Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
Following the budget the Heritage Alliance has sent out some more information about where things currently stand regarding the LPWGS
Apparently DCMS is now entering a period of business planning within DCMS which will determine what happens with the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme once the current funding arrangements expire at the end of March 2025. They expect this process to potentially take a number of months. But they hope to get an answer on the Scheme as soon as they can, as they know the sector needs clarity on future arrangements.
This means it is not too late to write to your MP and / or the Culture Secretary if you have have direct experience of the Scheme and haven't already written.
Some comments about how to write:
1. In your subject line, put 'Attn: the Secretary of State (LPWGS)', or something similar. Make sure you say at the beginning why you are writing - to ask for the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme to be extended beyond March 2025.
2. If you have concrete experience of the Scheme, then in just one or two paragraphs explain what your project is/was for, and why the VAT refund is/was important. If the building is used for community activities, or is important to local people in other ways, say something about this.
3. Do say if your work was funded by gifts and donations. Also mention if it involves action in response to climate change, or other environmental benefits. Also consider being explicit that you are grateful that government provides the Scheme! Obviously, be polite and avoid hectoring.
4. Send your email to The Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 1st Floor, 100 Parliament Street, London SW1A 2BQ at enquiries@dcms.gov.uk. You can also copy your own MP (find their email address https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/).
4. The Heritage Alliance would like to know what is said which may be gathered into a briefing paper. After you have sent it, could you forward a copy of your email to hrb@theheritagealliance.org.uk (or blind-copy the original to them).
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