Now closed. The long-running VAT-refund scheme for listed places of worship stopped accepting applications, with a final-year cap of £25,000 per claimant and a hard cut-off of 31 March 2026. It has been replaced by the Places of Worship Renewal Fund.
Provider: UK Government (DCMS)
Amount: Closed (final year was capped at £25,000 per claimant)
What it covers: Historically, a refund of the VAT paid on repairs and alterations to listed places of worship. No new or returning applications are accepted.
Deadline: Closed 31 March 2026
The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme refunded the VAT on repairs and alterations to listed places of worship for over two decades. It closed to all applicants after 31 March 2026, with decisions on the final round now finalised and no further rounds planned (verified against the official GOV.UK status page, 18 July 2026).
If you were counting on the scheme for a heating project, the successor is the Places of Worship Renewal Fund: a larger, capital-works fund delivered by Historic England.
You cannot. The scheme is closed and no further rounds are planned. See the Places of Worship Renewal Fund, its replacement.
Tell us about your church and heating plans and we can talk you through which grants apply and how to make a strong application.
Independent and official guidance we cite, verified link by link on the resources page.
The LPWGS replacement: 92 million pounds over four years, grants of 10,000 to 1,000,000 pounds for capital works to listed places of worship in England, any faith. Opened 20 May 2026; runs to 31 March 2030.
Building Grants and Community Impact Grants for churches and Christian charities in the UK and Ireland; the Building Improvement programme considers energy efficiency and low carbon measures.
Family foundation giving around 100 million pounds a year across sectors including faith and heritage; funds capital projects (building works, repairs, equipment) for places of worship.
Tell us a little about your church and we'll chat through your options. No obligation.
A heating map with options costed for your building, and what each one runs at.
Questions on permissions, the faculty process, or grant schemes? Just call.
