The Conservatives have slammed Labour's decision to impose a Worship Tax because it will “hammer” historic buildings “that are at the heart of communities.”
Funds allocated to repair ancient churches and save them from closure have been slashed as the government announced cuts on Wednesday. Labor will halve the tax relief paid out for repairs to listed places of worship – nearly 1,000 are now at risk of immediate closure.
Culture minister Chris Bryant said that “competing priorities” within the department, coupled with a “tough financial background” means the new cap stands at £23 million, down from the £42 million spent per year.
A limit on the figure that each place of worship can claim has also been capped at £25,000 annually. For the places of worship eligible for this, such as churches, synagogues and mosques, the scheme will only be guaranteed for another year, starting from March.
The move has been met with criticism by shadow culture secretary Stuart Andrew who believes many historic buildings will be negatively affected.
He said: “Last year, the Listed Places of Worship Scheme helped thousands of historic churches and places of worship up and down the country with the cost of repairs.
“Labor withheld their plans to slash the scheme's funding for months, causing churches to put off vital repairs and projects for fear of being slammed with a huge tax bill.
“Labor must recognize their decision to impose a Worship Tax by slashing the scheme's budget will hammer historic churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship that are at the heart of communities.”
969 places of worship are reportedly at risk of closure due to neglect and decay, research from Historic England shows.
Chairman of the National Churches and former Home Office permanent secretary, Sir Philip Rutnam has said he welcomes the schemes extension of one year but the future remains uncertain.
Sir Philip said: “We are pleased that the scheme has been extended, but are deeply concerned that this is only for one year, a spending cap has been introduced, and the overall budget has been slashed for the scheme.
“This simply does not provide enough certainty or support to churches, who need more time to plan and deliver repairs. The scheme offers tremendous value for money.
“For every £1 invested in a church building, £16 of social good is generated. We strongly believe that the scheme should be made permanent – it is vital to help these buildings stay open, serving local people, and it's the poorest and most isolated who will suffer most if these buildings are forced to close.”