VAT cutback scheme will hit historic churches

With Easter only a few days away, it should be a joyful time for Christians.

But for some church leaders it is a worrying time after the UK Government confirmed the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS) will end on March 31, which could put many historic religious buildings at risk.

The scheme allowed congregations to reclaim 20 per cent VAT on essential repairs to listed churches.

The Church of Scotland, which owns more than 1,100 listed churches and halls, said many of its 19th and 20th century buildings already face mounting repair costs because of ageing infrastructure and more severe weather.

John Keenan, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, also warned the impact would be significant, adding that one of their dioceses alone expects to lose more than £100,000 a year for routine maintenance.

All awards within this year’s £23 million budget have now been allocated to applicants, and the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme for 2025/26 has now closed to new applications.

The £23 million Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS) will officially conclude at the end of this month and is being replaced by a new programme, the Places of Worship Renewal Fund.

This £92 million fund is designed to act as a capital grant scheme focused on areas of greatest need, rather than the previous VAT refund structure.

Church leaders said the sudden withdrawal of support will “severely affect community efforts to fix roofs, maintain ageing heating systems and hold back damp”, adding that many churches are not only places of worship but are vital hubs for food banks, youth work and support for the elderly.

But Midlands green energy expert Ron Fox said to offset this VAT cutback, churches should look at one simple solution to save money, lower their energy bills and running costs, at the same time as reducing their carbon footprint.

“Installing infrared panel heaters is a relatively new way of heating buildings, which can reduce costs by up to 70 per cent,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd, on the University of Keele Science and Innovation Park. “They deliver warmth directly to people rather than trying to heat an entire church area and so are more energy efficient.”

Other advantages include:

• As the infrared panels are stand-alone units, without any pipes, they can be positioned to fit the layout of the church, or even be hung on the ceiling so that they point down to the people below.
• They’re cheaper to buy and to run compared to gas heaters.
• It takes only 30 seconds for them to reach their optimal heating temperature, whereas in some churches they put the heating on Saturday night to ensure the building is warm for the Sunday service the next morning.
• They are particularly effective in older buildings which have high ceilings and poor insulation.
• They are ideal for churches that want to just heat an office or a hall.
• Condensation, mould and dampness can be eliminated.
• They do not dry out the air, so it is good for allergy and cold sufferers.
• Infrared heating is completely safe – it is UV (ultraviolet) rays that can cause some problems.
• The units are British manufactured and made with stainless steel and have a 10-year warranty.
• The panels are easily installed by experts, leading to minimal disruption for church members.

Infrared panels work by converting electricity into radiant heat, so delivering warmth directly to the worshippers, even though the air around them is still fairly cold.

“The result,” added Ron, “is that much less expensive electricity is needed than if the entire volume of the church is to be heated for the occupants to feel comfortable.

“Probably one of the biggest advantages,” said Ron, “is that for around £300 people can have a panel put up in just one part of the church to try them out before putting them up in more areas.”

This article raises some important questions, said Ron. Is your church cold and draughty? Would your church like to try an infrared panel heater? Would your church welcome cheaper energy bills? Send your views to Ron Fox at [email protected]

For those church leaders wanting more advice on green energy, infrared heating panels and how to cut their heating bills, call Ron on 0845 474 6641 or contact us here

Caption: A modern way to keep churches warm – infrared heaters at St Peter’s Church, Norbury, Staffordshire.

Picture: Tansun Ltd.