Historic Devon churches could close under new tax rules, MP warns
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Concerns are growing over the future of Devon’s historic churches after a local MP warned that a new “church tax” could leave many facing closure.
Martin Wrigley has called on the Government to reverse recent changes to funding for listed places of worship, arguing the move could place an unsustainable financial burden on communities across the county.
The warning follows the decision to scrap the long-standing Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which allowed churches and other historic religious buildings to reclaim VAT on essential repairs and maintenance.
In its place, a new capital funding scheme has been introduced - but, crucially, it is subject to VAT, meaning churches could now face significantly higher costs for vital upkeep.
Mr Wrigley said the changes risk putting some of Devon’s most valued buildings in jeopardy.
“Our historic places of worship are a vital glue that binds our communities in Devon together,” he said. “Churches are more than places of worship - they are hubs for food banks, youth groups and local support.”
He warned that removing the VAT relief would lead to a sharp drop in available funding, leaving local congregations to shoulder rising bills for repairs to ageing buildings.
The concerns are echoed by National Churches Trust, which has warned the new funding arrangements may not go far enough. The charity estimates that one in 20 churches across the UK needs urgent work to roofs or gutters this year alone.
Without additional support, the total tax burden on places of worship could exceed £120 million over the next four years.
Mr Wrigley added: “We won’t stand by while our heritage is taxed into dereliction.
“The government must reimburse churches for all VAT on repairs. We are calling for an immediate reinstatement of the grant scheme to protect these iconic buildings for future generations.”
Liberal Democrat MPs are now urging ministers to fully reinstate the previous scheme without a cap on claims and to increase funding back to earlier levels of around £42 million a year.
Campaigners argue that without swift action, many churches - particularly in rural areas of Devon - could struggle to remain open, risking not only the loss of historic buildings but also the community services they provide.
( Photo: Christian Free Press 📸 )