The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme gives grants that cover the VAT incurred in making repairs to listed buildings in use as places of worship. The scheme covers repairs to the fabric of the building, along with associated professional fees, plus repairs to turret clocks, pews, bells and pipe organs.
The Scheme has been run by DCMS with a focus on preserving heritage in the fabric of our UK listed places of worship. Since its establishment in 2001, the Scheme has adapted to changes while continuing to support places of worship by delivering the fairest possible system of making grants and ensuring that all faiths and areas of the UK are equally able to make use of the scheme.
Funded up to £42m, the LPWS has paid out £317m since its inception and has assisted over 13,000 buildings. The LPW scheme presently receives approximately 7000 applications per annum. Eligibility for a LPW grant is assessed against complex criteria, involving the eligibility of the building and the nature of the work being carried out.
DCMS recognises that there are particular burdens to the upkeep of our spiritual architecture. The Listed Place of Worship scheme grants aim to redress financial shortfalls and continue to support our listed and protected architecture for future generations.
The scheme has a fixed annual budget which will be advertised on the LPW Grant Scheme website each year.
The funding for the scheme was increased in 2012 up to £42m, this budget has now been confirmed until 31st March 2025.
We aim to pay eligible claims within 30 calendar days, where they are accompanied by the correct documentation, and once any queries have been resolved. Large and complex claims and those submitted without the correct and complete documentation are likely to require a longer processing period to allow queries to be resolved.
