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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Tuesday, 24 March 2015. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
An update from the The National Heritage Memorial Fund
Background
In his 2015 Budget speech to the House of Commons, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced a further £40million to the Listed Places of Worship: Roof Repair Fund.
This new money brings the total funding package allocated for these grants to £55million. The initial scheme, administered by the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF), is now closed but has been extended by a further £15million, bringing the total funding package to £30million, and allowing more grants to be given than originally anticipated.
All these awards will be announced before the end of March 2015. It is anticipated that the Fund will reopen to new applications later this year making awards from the further £25million allocation announced today.
Full details and timings will be announced in the coming months, but applicants that were unsuccessful for the first round of awards will be required to reapply for the second round of funding. The Fund is administered by the NHMF on behalf of the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS). StatementCarole Souter, Chief Executive of NHMF, said:"We welcome this significant extra investment from the Chancellor.
Places of worship are amongst the UK's oldest buildings and can be particularly expensive to maintain.
Often situated at the heart of local communities, they fulfil a unique role in bringing people together.
This additional funding will help ensure that these precious buildings remain safe and open for people to use. "EndsListed Places of Worship: Roof Repair FundThe initial scheme is now closed but it is anticipated that it will reopen to new applications later this year. It will be open to organisations, trusts and congregations of all faiths and denominations with the responsibility of looking after a listed place of worship.
To be eligible for funding buildings will be required to be listed and used for public worship.
Places of worship that have received a previous repair grant from English Heritage, Historic Scotland, Cadw, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the Heritage Lottery Fund and/or other Lottery distributor, and where that project is not yet finished, will not be eligible to apply. The National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) was set up in 1980 to save the most outstanding parts of our national heritage, in memory of those who have given their lives for the UK.
It is to receive £20m Government grant in aid between 2011-15 allowing for an annual budget of £4m-£5m.
More information on the new fund can be found at www. lpowroof. org. ukFor further information, please contact Natasha Ley, NHMF Press Office, on tel: 020 7591 6143.
Out of office hours mobile: 07973 613820.