HL Deb 04 December 2001 vol 629 cc128-9WA
Baroness Gould of Potternewton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the English Heritage budget for church repairs for each financial year from 1997–98 to 2003–04. [HL1786]

Baroness Blackstone

English Heritage's budget: for repairs to all listed places of worship for 1997–98 to 2003–04 is:

Year £
1997–98 7,127,000
1998–99 9,550,000
1999–00 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 its planned grants programme have yet to be finalised.

I have 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.