LISTED PLACES OF WORSHIP GRANT SCHEME

That this House notes the contribution to UK society of religious organisations whose followers every year undertake millions of hours of unpaid work within communities and generally contribute tens of millions of pounds to other charities in addition to the large sums raised for local church work; further notes that the Listed Places of Worship Grant, the scheme which enables all listed places of worship in the UK to reclaim 100 per cent. of value added tax on repairs and maintenance, is scheduled to end in March 2011; wonders whether HM Treasury realises that approximately 110 million per year is spent on the upkeep of such buildings, with 66 per cent. of this sum being contributed by local congregations so that future generations may enjoy their use in the heart of their local communities; and calls on the Government to re-examine its approach not only to this scheme but also to the continuation beyond 2011 of the transitional GiftAid rate relief mechanism, without the help of which many fine, historic, worthwhile and useful community properties would have been lost or today be found to be beyond repair.