Latest News
New LPWGS online application
The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has a new website and application portal.
- The new website makes it easier to navigate and find the information. The website sits on the gov.uk domain, providing reassurance this is an official and trusted website.
- The new application portal will enable applicants to apply online. The option to use the old PDF will remain, but the application portal will have all the information and attachments uploaded and submitted in one place.
There are no changes to the grant criteria.
If you receive a grant from this scheme we encourage you to write to your MP, thank them for the grant and invite them to the church to see the completed works.
Building Improvement Grants now open for applications
Benefact Trust (previously AllChurches Trust) has just launched its Building Improvement Grants programme to help protect and enhance churches and Christian buildings, ensuring their continued use for generations to come. The programme will support capital costs such as essential repairs and improvements, conservation and restoration, and energy efficiency measures. Click on link here for more info.
Practical suggestions to save money and energy
At a recent DAC Conference, colleagues started a crowd-sourced note of practical suggestions to save parishes energy and money with the winter heating season fast upon us. You can download this document here. Please let our DAC team know of any suggestions for further tips to add.
Changes to faculty rules from 1st July 2022
The national Church of England has changed some of the faculty rules to encourage churches to make changes that would help in our drive to become carbon net zero by 2030. You can read more about those changes here.
Energy audits
Much of the challenge regarding turning our church buildings carbon-neutral revolves around our heating systems and the way we use energy to heat and light those buildings. We’ve asked the University of Portsmouth to do some energy audits on four specific churches, to give us an idea of what is involved in older and newer buildings, urban and rural settings, and with larger and smaller congregations. Why not download the audit from the church that is the most similar to yours and see what they say?
Extension of LPOW
The government has formally confirmed the extension of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS) until March 2025.
Central contents register
Please find below the links for the Central Contents Register.
If you are not aware of what this is, Church Commissioners produce a list every quarter of ecclesiastical items that are in need of relocation i.e. pews, fonts etc. There is also a list of items that parishes are looking out for.
Remember to inform Vivienne Chick (details on the covering letter below) if you want to add or remove an item from the list.
| Covering letter (January 2020) | DFOs (January 2020) |
| Suppliers (January 2020) | Disclaimer (January 2020) |
| Items wanted (January 2020) | Items for sale (January 2020) |
Maintenance Booker
This is an online service from National Churches Trust, which helps parishes find maintenance services through accredited and experienced contractors.
Services currently available include gutter clearance, lightning protection system inspections, tree surveys and surgery and asbestos maintenance.
Please click here for further details.
New guidance on metal roof covering
Historic England has updated its online guidance on thefts of roofs and published new technical guidance on terne-coated stainless steel.
When lead or copper roof coverings have been stolen, Historic England understands it may be too risky to replace with the same materials. It has found that the most appropriate and long-lasting alternative is terne-coated stainless steel; although for some buildings zinc, slates or tiles may be options. A good specification and experienced contractors are key to ensuring the performance of the replacement roof covering. HE has now published technical guidance about using terne-coated stainless steel for church roofs to address commonly raised questions.
Grants for roof alarms
Grants of £1,000 are available to churches for roof alarms from Allchurches Trust. This has been provided to county historic churches trusts and dioceses on the basis of a £1,000 grant per church. To see if you are in an eligible area visit the National Churches Trust website.
Download this leaflet regarding Allchurches Trust’s Roof Protection Scheme