To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what assessment he has made of the impact on church income from the gift aid scheme of a reduction in the basic rate of tax following the Budget statement. (132575)

We estimate that the reduction in the basic rate of tax will reduce the income of parishes up and down the country by about £7.7 million.

We do, however, welcome the fact that the Chancellor will consult the charitable sector about measures to increase the take-up of Gift Aid. We also welcome his undertaking to consider in the run-up to the Spending Review what other financial help could be given to churches.