I have written to the Rt Hon Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, urging her to continue of Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which is set to end in March 2025.

Introduced in 2001, this vital scheme has been the sole grant available to all listed places of worship, and enables them to reclaim VAT on repair costs. Many constituents have contacted me, expressing their concerns about the potential impact of the scheme’s discontinuation on Norwich’s remarkable collection of medieval churches, which are a cornerstone of our cultural and historical legacy.

I hope the government will recognise the importance of this support and ensure that these cherished places of worship continue to be preserved for future generations.