News received from Brian Butcher, Bell Restoration Officer:
Labour has been accused of introducing a “worship tax” by slashing funds to repair ancient churches and save them from closure. The Government announced on Wednesday that it would halve the tax relief paid out for repairs to listed places of worship, of which it is estimated there are nearly 1,000 at immediate risk of closure.
Chris Bryant, the culture minister, said that because of the “tough financial background” and “competing priorities” within the department, the amount of money for the coming year would be capped at £23 million. This compares with a previous average spend per year of £42 million.
There will also be an annual limit of £25,000 on the amount that individual places of worship can claim.
Churches, synagogues and mosques eligible for the relief have also been told that the scheme will only be guaranteed for another year from March before a further decision is made whether to continue it.