Preserving the cultural and historical significance of religious buildings is a crucial part of maintaining the UK’s rich heritage. The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS) is a government-backed initiative designed to help places of worship—such as churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples—recover the cost of VAT on eligible repair and maintenance works.
If you’re responsible for a historic place of worship and looking for funding for historic churches UK, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from eligibility to how to apply.
2001 – UK Government launches the “Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme” to cover VAT costs on repairs for listed places of worship.
2010 – Reuters reports that over £350 million in grants have been distributed to churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples since the scheme’s inception.
2025 – Department for Culture, Media and Sport announces a £23 million extension of the scheme for 2025/26, introducing a £25,000 annual cap per “place of worship”.
🗂️ Quick Summary: Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS) |
| Purpose | Refund VAT on eligible repairs and maintenance to listed places of worship |
| Eligible Properties | Grade I, II*, or II listed religious buildings in the UK |
| Eligible Faiths | All faiths (churches, mosques, temples, synagogues, etc.) |
| Minimum Use Requirement | Must hold at least 6 public worship services per year |
| Covered Costs | VAT on repairs (roofing, stonework, drainage, etc.) |
| Excluded Costs | New construction, extensions, cosmetic upgrades |
| Reimbursement Amount | 100% of eligible VAT costs |
| Deadline for Claims | Within 12 months of invoice date |
| Application Method | Online submission with invoice and proof of payment |
| Administered By | UK Government (via LPWGS official portal) |
| Other Funding Options | National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, ChurchCare, etc. |
What is the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme?
The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme was introduced in 2001 to support the upkeep and restoration of listed religious buildings in the UK. The scheme refunds the VAT incurred during eligible repairs, maintenance, and alterations to these historic structures.
It is primarily focused on helping maintain the architectural integrity and public accessibility of these buildings, which often serve as community landmarks and places of cultural value.
Who is Eligible for the Grant?
Eligibility is based on the following criteria:
- The building must be a listed place of worship in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland (Grades I, II*, or II).
- It must be used as a place of public worship at least six times a year.
- It must be open to the public, with free entry (although donations may be accepted).
- The organization must be charitable or not-for-profit.
Are Non-Christian Places of Worship Eligible?
Yes. While many grant recipients are churches, mosques, temples, synagogues, and gurdwaras are also eligible—provided they meet the listed building and public access criteria. This includes mosques and temples that are Grade I or II listed.
What Types of Work Are Covered?
The LPWGS specifically covers the VAT costs for repairs and maintenance—not the full cost of the work itself.
Eligible works include:
- Roof repairs and replacement
- Stonework and masonry conservation
- Structural repairs
- Electrical and plumbing updates for safety
- Drainage and rainwater disposal
- Repairs to historic features like stained glass
Ineligible works include:
- New construction or extensions
- Routine cleaning
- Improvements that are not repairs
This makes the scheme highly valuable for those looking to maintain authenticity and stability in historic religious buildings.
How Much Can You Receive?
The scheme offers a refund of the full VAT cost on eligible repair work. This is significant because VAT can be as high as 20%—a major financial burden for many places of worship.
For example:
- A £100,000 roof restoration would have £20,000 in VAT.
- Under the LPWGS, you could receive that £20,000 back.
There is no maximum grant limit per year, but claims must be submitted within 12 months of the invoice date.
📝 How to Apply for the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
The application process is straightforward:
- Complete the claim form on the official LPWGS website.
- Attach original invoices and proof of payment.
- Submit within 12 months of the date of invoice.
- Wait for processing and receive reimbursement directly to your bank account.
Documents Needed:
- VAT invoices
- Proof of listed status (Historic England or equivalent)
- Proof of charitable status if applicable
Many churches and religious bodies use specialist heritage consultants to help with the paperwork, but it’s not mandatory.
Additional Funding Sources for Places of Worship
While the LPWGS helps with VAT refunds, there are other grant schemes and charities offering financial support for repair and conservation:
- National Lottery Heritage Fund
- Historic England Grants for Churches
- ChurchCare (Church of England)
- National Churches Trust
- Local authority heritage funding
These can cover broader costs beyond VAT, including conservation planning, public engagement, and restoration of historic features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme?
To refund the VAT paid on eligible repair and maintenance work to listed places of worship across the UK, helping preserve heritage buildings.
Can mosques or temples apply for this grant?
Yes, non-Christian places of worship can apply if they meet the listed status and other eligibility criteria.
How long does it take to receive the VAT refund?
Typically 4–6 weeks after submitting a complete application, but it may vary based on volume.
Is there a deadline?
Claims must be submitted within 12 months of the date on the invoice.
🏆 Real-Life Example: St. Mary’s Church Restoration
In 2023, St. Mary’s Church in Kent underwent a £250,000 restoration to repair its ancient stone tower. Thanks to the LPWGS, they recovered over £40,000 in VAT—a massive relief for the parish. They combined this with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a local fundraiser.
This is a perfect case of leveraging multiple church restoration fund UK sources to protect a heritage asset.
Final Thoughts
The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme is an invaluable resource for faith-based institutions looking to preserve their historic properties. With conservation grant for religious sites being more accessible than ever, it’s an opportunity no eligible building should miss.
Whether you’re dealing with roof repairs on a Grade I church, or structural conservation for a listed mosque, this scheme ensures that your restoration project doesn’t break your budget.
By combining this with other sources of religious heritage conservation funding, you can secure the future of your place of worship for generations to come.