Written question asked by Simon Hoare (Conservative) on Friday, 30 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 February 2026. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Monday, 9 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Churches: Repairs and Maintenance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate he has has made of the levels of repairs to churches which will not proceed as a result of VAT changes.

Answer: The Department conducted an evaluation of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. The evaluation included an extensive survey of current and past scheme users and is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-listed-places-of-worship-scheme-final-report. 80% of respondents said that they would still have carried out the work without the rebate, Of these, 15% would have carried out works in the same way, 34% would have carried out works but delayed, 15% would have carried out works but been more economical, and 16% would have delayed and been more economical.

Secondary information