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English Heritage

Volume 471: debated on Tuesday 29 January 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the effect of (a) his Department’s and (b) English Heritage’s policies on the conservation of stone in English cathedrals; and if he will make a statement. (182190)

Works to listed cathedral buildings are exempted from the need to obtain listed building consent, on account of the structures and procedures put in place by the Church of England to agree such works. Decisions as to how works are undertaken are made by Church bodies.

The Department’s listed places of worship grant scheme supports repairs to English cathedrals by making grants equivalent to the VAT incurred. English Heritage also makes grants towards cathedral repairs.

My Department looks to English Heritage to provide specialist advice on matters of conservation.