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To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of trends in the number of church fires; and whether incidents of church fires have increased in the last five years.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of trends in the number of church fires; and whether incidents of church fires have increased in the last five years.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) collects information on incidents attended by Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) in England.
The table below shows the number of fires attended by Fire and Rescue Services in England in buildings recorded as churches, chapels or cathedrals in each of the last five financial years.
Financial year | Number of fires |
2021/22 | 72 |
2022/23 | 94 |
2023/24 | 77 |
2024/25 | 62 |
2025/26 | 80 |
The number of fires attended in churches, chapels and cathedrals has fluctuated over the last five years. While there were 80 such fires in in 2025/26, compared with 72 in 2021/22, the highest number of incidents during this period was recorded in 2022/23, when Fire and Rescue Services attended 94 fires in churches, chapels and cathedrals.
The figures are derived from the Department's Incident Level Datasets (ILDs), which are published as part of the Fire Statistics collection. Specifically, the analysis is based on the Other Building Fires dataset and identifies incidents where the buildingtype variable is recorded as "Church / Chapel / Cathedral".
Further information on fire incidents attended by Fire and Rescue Services is available at:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made on the impact of changing the recoverability of VAT on the repair and reuse of heritage buildings, including churches, and in particular the viability of converting heritage buildings to appropriate housing.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made on the impact of changing the recoverability of VAT on the repair and reuse of heritage buildings, including churches, and in particular the viability of converting heritage buildings to appropriate housing.
The Government is keen to support the supply of new homes, including the reuse of existing buildings and already encourages this through the VAT system. The conversion of non-residential buildings, including churches, into a residential dwelling qualifies for a reduced rate of VAT at five per cent. Additionally, the conversion of non-residential buildings for relevant housing associations attracts a zero rate of VAT.
Away from VAT, to support the repair and maintenance of places of worship, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport administer the Places of Worship Renewal Fund which will allocate £92m over four years. The Fund provides upfront capital grants to enable essential capital works for buildings in greatest need.
That this House congratulates Faifley Parish Church on the 60th anniversary of its church building and the 70th anniversary of its church hall; recognises the significant contribution made by the church to the people of Faifley and the surrounding communities over many decades; notes that, under the leadership of Rev Gregor McIntyre, the congregation continues a proud tradition of service that extends far beyond spiritual guidance; expresses its gratitude to Rev Gregor McIntyre for his dedicated ministry, leadership and commitment to supporting local people and fostering a strong sense of community over 35 years; acknowledges that the church hall serves as a vital community hub, providing accommodation and supports local organisations including Faifley Foodshare, the Boys' Brigade, Brownies and numerous other groups; further recognises the historic roots of the congregation, founded in Hardgate in 1843 before moving to the new estate of Faifley in the late 1950s; commends the church for its commitment to adapting to the changing needs of the community through initiatives such as Messy Church, its weekly Walk and Talk programme promoting friendship, wellbeing and exercise, and its Upcycling Project, which provides clothing and household goods free of charge to those who need them, while also hosting the Community Council's Foodshare; praises the congregation, volunteers and community partners whose dedication has helped make Faifley and Duntocher Parish Church a welcoming and compassionate environment; and wishes all those involved every success as they celebrate these important anniversaries and continue their work at the heart of the local community.
That this House congratulates Faifley Parish Church on the 60th anniversary of its church building and the 70th anniversary of its church hall; recognises the significant contribution made by the church to the people of Faifley and the surrounding communities over many decades; notes that, under the leadership of Rev...
That this House congratulates Father Charles McElwee and the parishioners of Our Lady and St Mark’s Roman Catholic Church in Alexandria on the celebration of the centenary of their church building; notes with appreciation 100 years of faithful worship, witness and service at the heart of the local community; recognises the church’s contribution to the spiritual, social and charitable life of Alexandria and the surrounding areas across generations; welcomes the celebration of a Mass of Thanksgiving to mark this significant milestone, at which the Principal Celebrant will be The Most Reverend William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow; gives thanks for 100 years of faith, community and blessing; commends all of the clergy, parish volunteers and parishioners, past and present, whose dedication has sustained the parish throughout the last century; and wishes Father McElwee and the parishioners of Our Lady and St Mark’s all the best as they continue their work and ministry for future generations.
That this House congratulates Father Charles McElwee and the parishioners of Our Lady and St Mark’s Roman Catholic Church in Alexandria on the celebration of the centenary of their church building; notes with appreciation 100 years of faithful worship, witness and service at the heart of the local community; recognises...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 on the conservation of historic churches and listed buildings in West Dorset.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 on the conservation of historic churches and listed buildings in West Dorset.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently consulted on proposed changes to the lead in blood exposure levels in the Control of Lead at Work Regulations (CLAW) 2002. The consultation has allowed HSE to gain more detailed evidence to help better understand the impact of the proposed levels in the working environment. This includes considering the impact on different workers and the operability of any proposed changes.
HSE is currently analysing the consultation responses prior to making any further recommendations for reform. Since early 2025, HSE has been engaging with the heritage sector about possible changes to CLAW and are continuing to engage with a range of businesses to inform this work.
No parish is required to make payments to the national Church institutions. The parish share, or common fund, is a financial contribution that a parish makes to the diocese to help fund clergy stipends, pensions and housing, including mutual support for ministries in less affluent areas.
No parish is required to make payments to the national Church institutions. The parish share, or common fund, is a financial contribution that a parish makes to the diocese to help fund clergy stipends, pensions and housing, including mutual support for ministries in less affluent areas.
To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent assessment the Church of England has made of the potential impact of payments that churches are required to make to it on the financial viability of those churches.
Whether it is holding coffee mornings to bring people together, stepping in to provide activities for young people where council services have disappeared, or providing affordable spaces for community groups, our churches are part of the fabric of Cannock Chase, but what they do carries a cost. One parish in my constituency saw its parish share reduced from £35,000 to £15,000, yet even that lower figure required it to draw on reserves, which are now exhausted. What assessment have the Church Commissioners made of how many parishes are in a similar situation, and what support might be available to those churches once their reserves have run out?
Whether it is holding coffee mornings to bring people together, stepping in to provide activities for young people where council services have disappeared, or providing affordable spaces for community groups, our churches are part of the fabric of Cannock Chase, but what they do carries a cost. One parish in my constituency saw its parish share reduced from £35,000 to £15,000, yet even that lower figure required it to draw on reserves, which are now exhausted. What assessment have the Church Commissioners made of how many parishes are in a similar situation, and what support might be available to those churches once their reserves have run out?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to point out the importance of churches in providing community support and care, which are essential in many local areas. On the specific case in his parish, I would be happy to put him in touch with the diocese of Lichfield so that he can discuss his concerns more broadly. On a wider note, the Church Commissioners are supporting parishes in the lowest-income communities with over £133 million of investment, representing a 46% increase on the previous funding window.
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to point out the importance of churches in providing community support and care, which are essential in many local areas. On the specific case in his parish, I would be happy to put him in touch with the diocese of Lichfield so that he can discuss his concerns more broadly. On a wider note, the Church Commissioners are supporting parishes in the lowest-income communities with over £133 million of investment, representing a 46% increase on the previous funding window.
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to point out the importance of churches in providing community support and care, which are essential in many local areas. On the specific case in his parish, I would be happy to put him in touch with the diocese of Lichfield so that he can discuss his concerns more broadly. On a wider note, the Church Commissioners are supporting parishes in the lowest-income communities with over £133 million of investment, representing a 46% increase on the previous funding window.
Whether it is holding coffee mornings to bring people together, stepping in to provide activities for young people where council services have disappeared, or providing affordable spaces for community groups, our churches are part of the fabric of Cannock Chase, but what they do carries a cost. One parish in my constituency saw its parish share reduced from £35,000 to £15,000, yet even that lower figure required it to draw on reserves, which are now exhausted. What assessment have the Church Commissioners made of how many parishes are in a similar situation, and what support might be available to those churches once their reserves have run out?
To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent assessment the Church of England has made of the potential impact of payments that churches are required to make to it on the financial viability of those churches.
To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent assessment the Church of England has made of the potential impact of payments that churches are required to make to it on the financial viability of those churches.
No parish is required to make payments to the national Church institutions. The parish share, or common fund, is a financial contribution that a parish makes to the diocese to help fund clergy stipends, pensions and housing, including mutual support for ministries in less affluent areas.
That this House notes the one hundredth anniversary of Limavady Baptist Church, Co. Londonderry; recognises the faithful gospel witness that has been maintained since 1926; and expresses the hope that the preaching and testimonies of those whose lives have been transformed through faith in Jesus Christ will continue to be evident to communities in Limavady, throughout the Roe Valley, and further afield for many years to come.
That this House notes the one hundredth anniversary of Limavady Baptist Church, Co. Londonderry; recognises the faithful gospel witness that has been maintained since 1926; and expresses the hope that the preaching and testimonies of those whose lives have been transformed through faith in Jesus Christ will continue to be...
That this House congratulates St Paul’s Church in Harrogate on celebrating its 150th anniversary; recognises the church’s long and proud history, having begun as a preaching station in 1875 before becoming a sanctioned charge in 1876; celebrates the generations of ministers, members and volunteers whose dedication has sustained St Paul’s and its congregation over the past 150 years; further recognises the important role the church has played in bringing the local community together, through social groups, societies, fundraising and support for those in need; notes that during the war years a Ladies’ Sewing Society was formed to send parcels to members on active service; further notes the thriving community life of the church in the early twentieth century, including its badminton group and regular Women’s Missionary and Literary Society meetings; also recognises the generations of Harrogate residents who have found friendship and community at St Paul’s; and wishes St Paul’s Church every success as it looks ahead to the next 150 years.
That this House congratulates St Paul’s Church in Harrogate on celebrating its 150th anniversary; recognises the church’s long and proud history, having begun as a preaching station in 1875 before becoming a sanctioned charge in 1876; celebrates the generations of ministers, members and volunteers whose dedication has sustained St Paul’s...
A briefing on sources of funding - both public and private - for places of worship in the United Kingdom, often for repairs and renovation.
A briefing on sources of funding - both public and private - for places of worship in the United Kingdom, often for repairs and renovation.
Construction work to repair buildings, including historic churches, is charged VAT at the 20% standard rate. The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has provided grants to mitigate the VAT costs for these repairs.
Construction work to repair buildings, including historic churches, is charged VAT at the 20% standard rate. The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has provided grants to mitigate the VAT costs for these repairs.
To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what plans they have to ensure the preservation of historic church buildings in England.
To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what plans they have to ensure the preservation of historic church buildings in England.
The National Church Institutions recognise the importance of maintaining England’s historic church buildings across England such as the Grade I listed All Saints, Babbacombe and St John the Baptist, Paignton. Parish Churches are not only places of worship but also important community assets supporting heritage, culture and local wellbeing. Significant investment has been allocated by the Archbishops Council and Church Commissioners to support parishes, such as the Buildings for Mission programme. For this programme, the Church Commissioners invested £11million between 2023 and 2025 to provide grants to help churches undertake repairs, improve facilities and remain sustainable centres of worship and community activity
The programme funds 36 Church Buildings Support Officer posts across England, based in dioceses and partner organisations, providing practical advice on repairs, maintenance, fundraising and community engagement to help churches remain sustainable and mission-focused. The Church Commissioners run a Conservation Grants Programme, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and others, for the conservation of historic furnishings in Church of England churches. This funding helps to conserve nationally significant historic features such as stained glass, monuments and wall paintings
Other grant-based programmes complement the Buildings for Mission project with the aim to make the buildings more sustainable, efficient and easy to operate in the long term. The Net Zero Carbon Programme is one such programme, operating 2026-2028 the fund has a total of £40million to give grants to parishes alongside opportunities for match funding and larger grants for capital projects such as replacement heating schemes. The Net Zero Carbon Programme operates a Quick Wins Fund, which helps churches improve energy efficiency and reduce running costs. Where churches can no longer remain in parish use, the Church of England works closely with the Churches Conservation Trust to safeguard them for future generations
The Church Commissioners continue to work closely with other funding bodies at national and local levels, such as Historic England and local building support charities to support the ongoing repair and maintenance of church buildings and are in conversation with the Government about long-term strategic support.
Statement on the publication of the third report of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Protecting Built Heritage (HC 144).
Statement on the publication of the third report of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Protecting Built Heritage (HC 144).
Thank you, Sir Desmond. I am pleased to be here to present the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s report “Protecting built heritage” and I am grateful to the Backbench Business Committee for allocating time for this statement. I also thank the Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, the...
Thank you, Sir Desmond. I am pleased to be here to present the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s report “Protecting built heritage” and I am grateful to the Backbench Business Committee for allocating time for this statement. I also thank the Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, the...
My constituency has loads of fantastic built heritage, including Knaresborough House, Knaresborough castle, Starbeck Baths and much more. I really enjoyed reading the report and noted the recommendation about safe harbour, where trusted bodies could temporarily take control of at-risk assets to stabilise them. The report does not mention town...
My constituency has loads of fantastic built heritage, including Knaresborough House, Knaresborough castle, Starbeck Baths and much more. I really enjoyed reading the report and noted the recommendation about safe harbour, where trusted bodies could temporarily take control of at-risk assets to stabilise them. The report does not mention town...
The hon. Member is absolutely right to mention councils and local authorities, which are trying to do so much work in the country. The report points out that every place will be different; it is about pulling on the expertise of local authorities and town councils to find what fits...
The hon. Member is absolutely right to mention councils and local authorities, which are trying to do so much work in the country. The report points out that every place will be different; it is about pulling on the expertise of local authorities and town councils to find what fits...
I thank my hon. Friend for presenting this excellent report. In Stoke-on-Trent, we have declared a heritage emergency, but the restoration of our historic buildings is repeatedly held back by fragmented funding and the need to negotiate separately with numerous funding bodies. Does she agree that the Government should bring...
I thank my hon. Friend for presenting this excellent report. In Stoke-on-Trent, we have declared a heritage emergency, but the restoration of our historic buildings is repeatedly held back by fragmented funding and the need to negotiate separately with numerous funding bodies. Does she agree that the Government should bring...
My hon. Friend makes an important point, which goes back to the previous question. The report has highlighted schemes that have worked for particular areas, such as the community ownership fund and heritage action zones, something we had in my area. These things pull on the expertise of partners, including...
My hon. Friend makes an important point, which goes back to the previous question. The report has highlighted schemes that have worked for particular areas, such as the community ownership fund and heritage action zones, something we had in my area. These things pull on the expertise of partners, including...