Worshippers across Castle Point could be forced to find somewhere new to practice their religion thanks to a new Labour tax. The Labour Government has decided to introduce a Worship Tax by slashing the budget of the Listed Places of Worship Scheme by £19 million – leaving almost 1,000 buildings across the country at risk. 

The previous Conservative Government took action to protect the nation’s churches and places of worship, by returning £346 million to places of worship between 2010 and 2024. This provided up to £42 million per year of support toward repairing roofs, masonry and monuments integral to the buildings.

However, following months of uncertainty, Labour have announced their decision to slash the Listed Places of Worship Scheme’s annual funding from £42 million to £23 million and to introduce a cap on the amount individual places of worship can claim. Additionally, Labour have made no commitment to maintain this lower level of funding beyond 2026. This will have a disastrous impact on churches and other places of worship across the UK. During this period of uncertainty, many churches have already put off vital repairs and projects in fear of getting a tax bill, and now face a smaller funding pot and a limit on the support they can receive.

Dame Rebecca Harris, Conservative MP for Castle Point, is one of those to oppose the Worship Tax. “The Government’s new tax will have a devastating impact on churches up and down the country. Churches and other historic places of worship aren’t just part of our shared heritage – they are the beating heart of our community. Castle Point is home to some remarkable historic churches which are an integral part of the constituency,” she said.

Regarding the tireless effort and dedication carried out in preserving such institutions Dame Rebecca added, “The brilliant volunteers who look after them, protecting them for future generations, do so with very little help. That’s why the Listed Places of Worship Scheme is such a vital lifeline.

The plan to cut funding was one that Labour withheld for months, and their decision to impose a Worship Tax by slashing the scheme’s budget will hammer places of worship that give so much to our constituency. In October 2024, I called for the Chancellor to retain VAT relief for church repairs in her budget yet, regrettably, this Labour Government has chosen to go against our nation’s historic buildings.”