Historic churches across Northumberland that are in need of roof repairs are being encouraged to apply for grant money that has been made available after the Chancellor’s Budget this week. The original £15 million fund was a tremendous success and support to churches countrywide.
This is now trebled in the budget to in excess of £40 million. The government has set aside money for urgent repairs, and is urging congregations to apply before the money disappears.
Grants are available from £10,000 to £100,000 to help meet the costs of urgent repairs to roofs and gutters on listed Church buildings. To be eligible for the grant the Church must be listed and the work has to have been highlighted in an inspection.
The fund is administered by the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) on behalf of the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS). Precise details are still being worked through but I am certain this is very good news for our churches.