Thousands of faith-based charities will be able to apply for a share of £42m in funding after the government confirmed a one-year extension to a grant scheme.
The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme offers funding to cover the VAT incurred in making repairs to listed buildings in use as places of worship.
The grants cover repairs to the fabric of the building, along with associated professional fees, plus repairs to turret clocks, pews, bells and pipe organs.
The scheme is open to listed places of worship of all denominations and religions, although the majority of applications received are from Anglican churches.
The scheme has been run by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport since 2001 and has paid out about £317m towards the repair of 13,000 buildings.
Its extension beyond 31 March 2021 was raised after a written question in parliament at the end of last month by David Ames, the Conservative MP for Southend West.
In reply, Nigel Huddleston, parliamentary under secretary of state at the DCMS, said: “I am pleased to be able to confirm that the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme will be renewed this year on the same terms as it operated previously.
“This scheme will continue to benefit listed places of worship across the country during these difficult times.
“It will also help to ensure that they are able to reopen fully once it is safe to do so.”
DCMS has since confirmed the scheme would be extended on its current terms for an additional year.
It currently receives about 7,000 applications per year.
Qualification for a grant is assessed against several criteria, including the eligibility of the building and the nature of the work being carried out.
For more information and how to apply, click here.