Oral Answers to Questions

Christopher Chope Excerpts

Thursday 15th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Marsha De Cordova]

I agree with my hon. Friend that historic churches are often cornerstones of our local communities. Even if members of a community are not regular churchgoers, they also see those churches as places they can call their own and identify with. People gather in those spaces for different events, whether that is for concerts or major life events like weddings, and all candidates have to attend them for election hustings. We all know how important our historical buildings are, and their estimated social value is £55 billion. With every investment of £1 in the Church, a return of £16 goes into the local community through outreach and community support. I am pleased that the Government will be publishing the evaluation report of the listed places of worship scheme soon.

[Sir Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con)]

Does the hon. Lady agree that there are practical consequences flowing from the failure of the—[Interruption.]

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

Order. When entering the Chamber, hon. Members must be aware that there is a debate taking place.

[Sir Christopher Chope]

Does the hon. Lady accept that there are practical consequences flowing from the intolerable delay in the Government making an announcement about the scheme? For example, repairs are under way at All Saints church in Mudeford and at Christchurch priory, and the consequence of the Government not doing anything about this scheme will be hundreds of thousands of pounds of extra costs for those churches.

[Marsha De Cordova]

The hon. Member is right that any further delay will continue to bring uncertainty to many churches across the country, so this is really important. I am reassured that the Government will come forward with plans soon, as the Secretary of State said during Department for Culture, Media and Sport questions prior to Church Commissioners questions.