Churches: Repairs and Maintenance
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has had recent discussions with (a) church authorities and (b) Historic England on increasing flexibility in the (i) renovation and (ii) adaptation of listed churches for (A) community use and (B) accessibility improvements.
Answered by Chris Bryant
DCMS ministers have recently met with both Church representatives and Historic England, however discussions have not covered the specific issue of increasing flexibility in the renovation and adaptation of listed churches for community use and accessibility improvements.
Through the Ecclesiastical Exemption, many denominations are already able to manage alterations to their own listed buildings, including adaptation to community use and greater accessibility, through internal permission systems.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →