§ Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what was the English Heritage budget for church repairs for each financial year from 1997–98 to 2003–04; and if she will make a statement. [19346]
§ Dr. HowellsEnglish Heritage's budget for repairs to all listed places of worship for 1997–98 to 2003–04 is:
£ 1997–98 7,127,000 1998–99 9,550,000 1999–2000 10,169,000 2000–01 11,042,000 2001–02 9,049,000 2002–03 10,370,000 2003–04 12,220,000 English Heritage's planned expenditure for 2002–03 and 2003–04 also includes grants to cathedrals, as the individual elements of their planned grants programme have yet to be finalised.
My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for the Arts today launched the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which will offset the cost of VAT on repairs and maintenance to listed buildings which are used as places of worship. The scheme has been welcomed by those responsible for these important parts of our heritage as it represents significant additional new funds.