Government scheme gave £42m to help restore UK churches in 2023

Listed places of worship grants were awarded to almost 5,000 religious buildings for essential work to roofs, masonry and monuments

Carol services, midnight mass, small children dressed up as wise men and angels: for many people, Christmas is the one time each year when they visit their local church. And on Thursday the government announced it had given 42m of public money in 2023 to help conserve and maintain almost 5,000 listed churches and other religious buildings.

Grand cathedrals and small parish churches benefited from grants dished out by the listed places of worship grant scheme for essential work to roofs, masonry and monuments. Since 2010, the fund has paid out 346m. The money covers VAT liable on the cost of works.