Board of Deputies backs call to make listed worship grant permanent
Select Committee endorses appeal to secure vital synagogue restoration fund
The Board of Deputies has welcomed a recommendation by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee for the Government to make its Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS) permanent.
The scheme, which refunds VAT on repairs to listed religious buildings, has played a crucial role in the upkeep of historic synagogues, including Bevis Marks – the UK’s oldest – and six others that received support in 2022/23. It was recently extended but with reduced funding and a £25,000 cap per project.
Ben Crowne, Treasurer of the Board and of the Bevis Marks Heritage Foundation, said the synagogue’s restoration “would not have been possible without LPWGS support.”
“We strongly supported making this scheme permanent in our evidence to the Committee’s inquiry on protecting built heritage,” he added. “We are pleased to see this recommendation now go forward to the Government.”
The Committee’s final report is expected to be considered by ministers later this year.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
