Historic churches could be lost to the nation within a generation without more state support.
That’s one of the stark facts the Church in Wales is highlighting in a series of briefing notes about its work to candidates standing for the National Assembly for Wales election.
It estimates that £70m is needed over the next five years to repair and maintain nearly 1,000 churches which are listed as having historic value and which attract more than two million visitors each year.
It is urging candidates to support grant schemes and also to encourage greater use of church buildings by the whole community.
Alex Glanville, head of Property Services for the Church in Wales, said, “Places of worship are a vital part of our nation’s heritage. They are the focus of spiritual life and for key life events, such as weddings and funerals. They are also the repositories of great art and they tell the story of the lives of people in Wales.
“But while they are national assets, they are cared for and paid for by dedicated volunteers who do all they can to keep them open. We want the next Assembly to support grant schemes that will help local groups preserve their local heritage and an important community facility.”
Candidates are being urged to:
- Support grant schemes administered by Cadw, WAG etc;
- Encourage innovative partnerships for the benefit of society;
- Encourage use of church buildings for community events, meetings etc;
- Support policies that help regenerate places of worship as key community and heritage assets;
- Support policies which encourage volunteers;
- Support the continuation of tax incentives that help churches, such as Gift Aid and the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.
To read the full briefing note on Places of Worship click here:
English: http://www.churchinwales.org.uk/resources/general/electionbriefingnotes-en.pdf
Welsh: http://www.eglwysyngnghymru.org.uk/adnoddau/general/ElectionBriefingNotes-cy.pdf
