churches – The Church of England in Parliament

Bishop of Hereford asks about financial impact of 2025 budget on music performances in churches

The Bishop of Hereford asked a question on the role of churches as music and performance venues, during a discussion on the impact of the 2025 budget on grassroots music venues on 26th January 2026:

The Lord Bishop of Hereford: My Lords, I thank the Minister for his answers. Across the country, churches provide the largest network of performance spaces available to professional and amateur groups for music making and other artistic endeavours, so I thank him for the recent announcement regarding the new places of worship renewal fund. But I am sure he will be aware that there are thousands of churches and other faith communities across the country waiting to know how that scheme will operate. Will the Minister let us know when the details of the scheme will be published and whether the Government will work with us to ensure the scheme is workable, consistent and fair, especially in the levying of VAT?

Lord Livermore (Lab, Treasury): I am grateful for the support that the right reverend Prelate set out in his question. I assure him that that will be responded to very shortly.

Hansard

Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham asks about role of historic churches in urban renewal

The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham asked a question on revitalisation of historic city centre churches during a discussion on urban renewal on 11th December 2025:

The Lord Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham: My Lords, has the Minister considered the significance of historic church buildings in city centre revitalisation? In my diocese, for instance, the recent renewal of St Mary Magdalene Church in Newark has not only repaired the grade 1 listed building but significantly developed the town’s cultural and economic vitality. There is uncertainty about the future scheme for VAT relief for listed churches, and the cap introduced last year affected long-planned projects around the country. What assessment have His Majesty’s Government made of the impact of that and of continuing the scheme beyond March next year without the cap?

Church Commissioners Questions: National Church Governance Measure, Identity Sexuality Relationships and Marriage, Support for Christians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Vicars (Rural Parishes), Solar Power (Churches)

On 27th November 2025, the Leader of the House of Commons, Sir Alan Campbell MP, gave the following answers to questions from MPs:

National Church Governance Measure

Danny Kruger MP (Reform, East Wiltshire) asked: 2. What guidance the Church Commissioners have received from the Charity Commission on changes proposed under the draft National Church Governance Measure.

Sir Alan Campbell MP (Lab, Tynemouth): I am sorry that the Second Church Estates Commissioner, my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Marsha De Cordova), is unwell; we wish her a swift recovery. She will be listening, and if my answers fall short, I am sure that she will follow up on them with Members.

Church Commissioners Written Questions: Clergy (Freedom of Expression), Clergy (Gender), Abortion Decriminalisation, Church Attendance, Slavery (Compensation)

On 24th November 2025, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha De Cordova MP, gave the following written answers to questions from MPs:

Clergy: Freedom of Expression

Andrew Rosindell MP (Con, Romford): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what guidance the Church of England provides to clergy on the principle of freedom of speech.

Church Commissioners Written Questions: Churches (Aerials)

On 28th October 2025, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha De Cordova MP, gave the following written answer to a question from an MP:

Churches: Aerials

Rebecca Smith MP (Con, South West Devon): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment the Commissioners have made of the potential impact of the implementation of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 on revenue to churches.

Church Commissioners Written Questions: Church Services (Internet), Clergy

On 4th September 2025, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha De Cordova MP, gave the following written answers to questions from an MP:

Church Services: Internet

Andrew Rosindell MP (Con, Romford): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what funds the Commissioners allocate to parish churches for the enabling of online church services.

Church Commissioners Written Questions: Overseas Trade (Israel and Occupied Territories), Churches (Heating)

On 6th June 2025, Marsha De Cordova MP, on behalf of the Church Commissioners, gave the following written answers to questions from MPs:

Overseas Trade: Israel and Occupied Territories

Kevin Hollinrake MP (Con, Thirsk and Malton): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2025 to Question 52266 on Overseas Trade: Israel and Occupied Territories, which companies that trade with (a) Israel and (b) the Occupied Territories are excluded following a controversy screen and assessment of the human rights risks.

Church Commissioners Written Questions: Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, Archbishop of Canterbury, Poverty, Clergy, Churches

On 2nd June 2025, the Second Church Estates Commissioner gave the following written answers to questions from an MP:

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

Adam Jogee MP (Lab, Newcastle-under-Lyme): To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions the Church of England has had with the leaders of other faith groups on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

Church Commissioners Questions: Project Spire, Christians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, Lithium Mineral Rights, Eco Church Awards

On 3rd April 2025, in the House of Commons, Marsha De Cordova MP, on behalf of the Church Commissioners, gave the following answers to questions from MPs:

Project Spire

Katie Lam MP (Con, Weald of Kent) asked: What recent discussions the Church Commissioners have had with the Charity Commission on Project Spire?

Marsha de Cordova MP (Lab, Battersea): The Church Commissioners are engaged in informal discussions with the Charity Commission to consider what regulatory approvals may be required to progress this project.

Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill: Bishop of Manchester speaks to amendments

The Bishop of Manchester spoke during a debate on amendments to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, expressing concern over the potential effects on churches and other places of worship, and the effects on voluntary commitments:

The Lord Bishop of Manchester: My Lords, I am grateful that we are debating the amendments in this group. I declare my interest, having lots of churches in Manchester that fall under the terms of the Bill.

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