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Written question asked by Bradley Thomas (Conservative) on Friday, 13 June 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 June 2025. It was answered by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Friday, 20 June 2025 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Redundant Churches

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to promote the use of redundant churches for (a) cultural, (b) community and (c) educational purposes.

Answer

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Arms-Length body the Churches Conservation Trust is the national charity that saves redundant historic churches at risk, and has a portfolio of over 350 churches that have been kept open and now used to serve the local communities. These are now enjoyed as cultural, social, tourism and educational resources with over 4000 community, arts and educational events taking place within them per year.

Additionally, redundant churches may be eligible for wider DCMS Heritage funding to support their use by the community. In February my Department announced new funding worth almost £20 million for 2025/26. The Heritage at Risk fund will restore local heritage and is targeted towards areas of higher deprivation. The Heritage Revival Fund empowers local people to take control of and look after their local heritage, supporting community organisations to own neglected heritage buildings and bring them back into good use.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
59933
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Redundant churches
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk