THE MP for Bromsgrove has helped secure an extension of a funding scheme to preserve historic places of worship which could prove very fruitful for the town’s St John’s Spire Appeal.
Bradley Thomas MP’s campaigning has helped secure an extension of the government’s Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.
The scheme gives grants towards VAT paid on repairs and renovations to listed sites of worship across the UK.
It’s been extended into 2025/26, however the government has reduced the total amount of the fund to £23 million – down from the £29 million spent last year.
Working with Friends of St John’s in Bromsgrove and MPs in Parliament, Mr Thomas fought to get the scheme extended.
Just last week, the MP held a Westminster Hall debate on the scheme in which he called for the fund to be made permanent.
He also raised the Save our Spire Appeal at St John’s Church.
The appeal is raising vital funds to rebuild the top 2.25 metre section of the spire at the Grade I listed St John’s Church in Bromsgrove and could benefit from the scheme.
Mr Thomas said: “Churches across our constituency have greatly benefited from the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme – and so I was determined to ensure the scheme continued.
“Whilst its disappointing the Government has reduced the total amount of the fund; I’m pleased local at risk places of worship will continue to benefit from this scheme.
“One of those historic churches I hope will benefit from the extension is St John’s Church in Bromsgrove.
“Despite the new cap on how much projects can claim, the Save our Spire will be able to recoup a large portion of their VAT bill.
“We are nothing without our heritage and its vital we preserve it. I therefore continue to campaign for the scheme to be made permanent, giving greater certainty to our historic churches and places of worship.”
Chair of Friends of St John’s, Jo Slade, expressed her gratitude to the town’s MP for lobbying government ministers and raising the important issue in parliamentary debate.
Jo Slade added: “Bradley has worked tirelessly on this issue, which has an enormous financial impact for St John’s Spire Appeal, and all the listed church buildings around the country.
“Bradley recognised the importance of restoring our cherished buildings to keep them at the heart of our community.
“We were pleased the scheme is extended for another year, but disappointed that a funding cap had been introduced.”
