Places of Worship Grant Scheme

HC Deb 31 January 2002 vol 379 c542W

Mr. Gordon Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport from what sources the(a) administrative and (b) other costs of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme will be met. [30783]

Dr. Howells

The Listed Places of Worship (LPW) Grant Scheme is largely being funded by the Treasury. This Department has been asked to make a small contribution to the costs of the scheme. We have asked English Heritage to help us meet this commitment, which they have chosen to do through the redirection of £2 million in grant in aid from the Joint Places of Worship (JPOW) Scheme. Initial estimates are that the LPW scheme could be worth up to £30 million per year. There is no cap on the scheme; all listed places of worship that meet the criteria will receive a grant.