Month: December 2023

Budget: Local authorities given real terms INCREASE in funding, says Scottish Government

BATTLE LINES DRAWN OVER COUNCIL FUNDING

Councils will receive a record £14 billion funding settlement, according to provisional details published by the Scottish Government last night.

Local authorities have each been allocated a share of £13.9 billion to fund their day-to-day activities, including £6 million to support the expansion of free school meals, £242 million for teacher pay rises and more than £266 million for local government pay deals.

Ministers have also made available a further £144 million to enable local authorities to freeze Council Tax rates at their current levels, equivalent to an above-inflation 5% rise in council tax nationally. The Scottish Government is in talks with COSLA over how this will be allocated.

Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance Shona Robison said: “In the face of a profoundly challenging financial situation, we are making available record funding of over £14 billion to councils – a real-terms increase of 4.3% on the previous year – should they agree to freeze council tax.

“The £144 million for the council tax freeze would be equivalent to an above-inflation 5% rise in council tax nationally.

“We recognise the crucial role councils play in their communities, which is why we have increased their overall share of the Scottish Budget.

“We have made no secret of the tough choices that have been required to balance our Budget, after an Autumn Statement that failed to provide the funding Scotland needs for its public services. While I know councils had sought more funding, the settlement confirmed today represents a fair and sustainable offer.

“We have chosen to invest in our people and public services. This is a Budget that reflects our shared values as a nation and speaks to the kind of Scotland that we want to be with a record settlement for local councils at its heart.”

The Deputy First Minister’s comments are a response to a statement made on Thursday by local authority umbrella body COSLA. Scotland’s council leaders argue that their funding has been CUT.

The Scottish Government has delivered a major blow to communities and has put councils at financial risk with a cash cut to Local Government in its draft Budget (published on 19th December) and no provision for inflation or pay increases, COSLA said.

COSLA Leaders described the draft Budget as not only leaving councils at real and significant financial risk for the coming year, but as it stands, it will mean cuts in every community in Scotland and job losses across Scottish Local Government.

Following a full meeting of Council Leaders on Thursday COSLA said that whatever way the Government presents the figures, the reality is that once again the people in our communities have been left at the end of the queue.  That is why we are calling for urgent discussions with Scottish government to ensure a meaningful negotiation on the budget takes place before the final budget is presented to Parliament.

COSLA’s President Councillor Shona Morrison said:  “COSLA’s initial analysis, shows a real terms cut to our revenue and capital spending power which will leave Council services at breaking point, with some having to stop altogether.  

“The Budget in its current form could result in service cuts, job losses and an inevitable shift to providing statutory services only. This means potentially losing Libraries, leisure centres and all the things that improve our lives.

“COSLA’s initial analysis of the Budget is that the Council Tax freeze is not fully funded. Leaders from across Scotland agreed today that decisions on Council Tax can only be made by each full Council, and it is for each individual Council to determine their own level of Council Tax.  With any sort of shortfall in core funding, the £144m revenue offered for the freeze is immediately worth less.”

COSLA Vice President Steven Heddle said:  “Despite the Verity House Agreement rhetoric about working together on shared priorities it is the same outcome at Budget time for Local Government in reality.  

“The Scottish Government is claiming to protect public services, but are not protecting the essential public services provided by councils– Scotland’s councils are key, they deliver your homecare, schools, road maintenance, street lighting, leisure and waste services and have been locked out again.

“We needed increased funding to cope with inflation, but have been given less instead. The cut to Revenue funding we have been given is a devastating blow and the cut to our Capital funding means that we will be unable to meet our targets in terms of a move towards Net Zero and mitigating climate change targets.”

COSLA’s Resources Spokesperson Councillor Katie Hagmann said:  “The Scottish Government has disappointingly failed to recognise that investment in Councils is investment in cities, towns and villages across Scotland.

“As it stands, this is not a good Budget for our communities or the people who deliver our essential front-line services.  This is a Budget which will mean job losses – real jobs that support families, and deliver vital services that make a positive difference to people’s lives. 

“Sadly, the budget as it stands, leaves nothing for meaningful pay rises in 24/25 so we would call on the Scottish Government to look again, so that our workforce can get the pay rise they deserve next year.”

So much for the Season of Goodwill …

A recently updated (21.12.23) factual document from COSLA entitled ‘Budget Reality’ can be downloaded here.

Scottish Ambulance technician speaks of cancer battle

A Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff member diagnosed with cancer has spoken about his experience to encourage more people to be aware of the condition, know the risks and seek help early if they have concerns.

Iain Sullivan, 48, of Kirkliston who works out of McDonald Road Community Fire and Ambulance Station as a Technician, received the news earlier this year he had prostate cancer.

Speaking of his journey, Iain, who is ex-military with 25 years full colour service and been with SAS for three years, said: “My father was his early 60s with prostate cancer. At the time, I was only 40, so it was deemed not necessary to get checked by NHS due to young age. After going through this, it is really important for me to raise awareness and encourage people to talk openly about any worries they may have and seek medical advice.”

Iain said last December his dad was advised his cancer had spread which led his dad to ask Iain in February this year to get tested due to the increased risk. The tests were simple and painless consisting of a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a marker in the blood, a digital rectal examination and a MRI scan. Following these tests, Iain was advised that he had tested positive for prostate cancer.

Iain said he wasn’t surprised by the news and added: “I had a feeling I was going to be positive – luckily my brother was clear.”

During the first months since the diagnosis, Iain said his “head has been all over the place”, but has since revealed his current position is Stage 1 of 4 which is the lower end of the spectrum, and at present hasn’t spread to other parts of the body.

Speaking of the support he has received he said his work colleagues have been “fantastic and supportive”.

Iain, who is currently off work, added: “My Crewmate Lewis has been checking up on me, along with the rest of the gang, and also my other friends and staff within the Edinburgh area have been supportive to me even through their own times of difficulties.

“They all work tirelessly and still have the kindness to look after each other. My partner Julie, who is also Ambulance technician, has shown amazing support and so has my son Brad, and other family members or course.”

Iain said he would urge people in his age bracket – and younger – to understand the risks, talk about them with friends and colleagues and seek help if they have concerns. It is important to understand that prostate cancer is the most prominent cancer in men.

He added: “It seems to be radio silence for men. I am surprised at the limited awareness of prostate cancer which is the most common cancer in men with more than 52,000 diagnosed every year.

People need to ask questions, seek advice and get help if you are worried. If nothing else, it’s worth the peace of mind and I will feel better for knowing you read this, are worried and then go to your GP”.

For more information, visit NHS inform or Prostate Cancer UK | Prostate Cancer UK who have a simple online risk checker that anyone can access to understand their risk in 30 seconds.

Building a fairer Scotland

Consultation on Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill

Views are being sought on proposals to better protect, respect and champion the rights of people with learning disabilities, autistic and neurodivergent people.

The Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill consultation includes proposals that would provide benefits in many areas of life, including more inclusive communications and mandatory training in the public sector to address the stigma and barriers people often face.

Mental Health Minister Maree Todd said: “People with learning disabilities, autistic people and neurodivergent people make up around 15% of our society and many of them think and see the world differently. This shouldn’t cause them to be stigmatised and disadvantaged and the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that their rights are respected.

“This public consultation has been designed alongside people with lived experience, and we have worked closely with third sector organisations and support providers to ensure those who know the challenges best are at the heart of any action we take.

“I am keen to hear views from as many people as possible on our proposals. I am confident that, together, we can build a fairer Scotland for all.”

Hannah Roussel and Jim Gault, Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP), co-Chairs said: “This public consultation marks what we hope will be a significant milestone on the journey towards the fair and inclusive society Scotland aspires to be.

“If we get this right, Scotland has the opportunity to become a leading light, not just in the UK, but across the world. We are grateful to the Scottish Government for involving all of us on the LEAP so committedly, seeking always to place the voice of those with lived experience at the heart of this process.

“We on the LEAP are agreed that the status quo is not an option; there must be accountability, people with lived experience must be included, and what benefits us benefits all.

“We urge everyone to seize this unique opportunity to help define the Scotland we all aspire to build here and now, and for generations to come, by engaging with and responding to this consultation.”

Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill: consultation

Boyack accuses Health Secretary of misleading patients over New Eye Pavilion decision

Lothian Labour MSP, Sarah Boyack has written to Cabinet Secretary for Health, to ask him for clarity over when the decision will be made over the New Edinburgh Eye Pavilion.

In a November meeting organised by Ms Boyack between patients and Michael Matheson, the Cabinet Secretary assured patients that any decision over the Eye Pavilion would be made in December, in line with the budget.

However, a Scottish Government spokesperson has now claimed that the decision will not be made until the Spring.

Delaying this decision will force patients to rely on outdated services and face further cancelled appointments.

Campaigners were hoping that the current budget would provide long awaited clarity for whether the new facility would get the go-ahead.

Sarah Boyack MSP said: “Michael Matheson has fundamentally misled patients.

“To tell patients that the decision would be made in December, only for it to be pushed back to the Spring is a slap in the face for all those who need a new facility.

“Michael Matheson needs to confirm on the record when the capital spending will be announced and apologise for misleading patients.

“Every day the Scottish Government delays, the project becomes more expensive, and the current Eye Pavilion deteriorates further.

“If Michael Matheson does not provide clarity now, we are heading towards a crisis for eyecare services in Edinburgh.”

Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland, added: “We’re concerned the Scottish Government’s plans to review this project again in the spring is too little too late.

“It’s now 10 years on since the current hospital was declared unfit for purpose and by delaying the decision again is ignoring the critical need of patients and staff attending the current hospital.

“As time goes on, the building deteriorates further and the risk to people’s safety increases. People with visual impairment and eye conditions deserve better.”

Christmas at Cramond Residence

A BUMPER month-long festive celebration is well underway at one of Scotland’s most luxurious care homes.

Pensioners at Cramond Residence have been treated to the homes’ biggest ever range of activities in the build-up to Christmas thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Lifestyle Team.

In the lead-up to the big day, residents have enjoyed a delightful mix of songs, carols, parties, fine food, Christmas jumper celebrations as well as a pantomime, creating a buzzing festive atmosphere.

Elaine Vallance, Head of Lifestyle at Cramond Residence said: “This is our sixth and biggest Christmas at the home and it’s our goal to ensure it’s a magical experience for our residents.

“We focused on creating a festive atmosphere with activities that cater to all tastes to help get everyone into the spirit.

“The residents have thoroughly enjoyed the events so far, and we’ve made sure that Christmas week is filled with fantastic activities to help carry the joy into the New Year.”

Across December, Cramond Residence sparkled with festive spirit, beginning with the annual Christmas lights switch-on and a carol performance by Fettes students.

The month has featured a variety of events including religious ceremonies, sensory sessions, a Kirk service, pub nights, and numerous parties.

On Christmas Day, residents will enjoy a special festive lunch, followed by a week full of seasonal movies, a pub night, a Nutcracker ballet performance, and a grand New Year’s Eve celebration to bring in 2024 in style.

Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager for Cramond Residence said: “We are lucky to have Elaine and her exceptional team orchestrating an incredible array of activities for our residents.

“Christmas at Cramond Residence is always a special time for both our staff and residents. This year has been particularly memorable, and we’re looking forward to celebrating Christmas and New Year’s with all our residents.”

Cramond Residence is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of its residents, offering a bespoke activity programme that blends the luxury of a hotel with the warmth of home living. Constructed at a cost of £8m, the residence opened its doors in October 2018, embodying a philosophy of small group living with a strong focus on social interaction.

The facility provides an extensive array of dementia care services, available both within the general living environment and in a dedicated area specially designed for those in more advanced stages.

With a variety of activities specifically tailored for individuals with dementia, Cramond Residence aims to enrich their lives. The home boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a team of trained professionals committed to offering both support and respite.

For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.

To get in touch directly, please email enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

Warning after rise in extremely drug-resistant Shigella

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports a concerning rise in Shigella cases, a gut infection that causes diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever

There has been a concerning rise in cases of extensively antibiotic-resistant Shigella sonnei infections, mainly in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), UKHSA has announced.

Since the beginning of 2023, the number of extensively-antibiotic resistant Shigella cases has increased by 53%. Much of this increase has been driven by a cluster of extensively-antibiotic resistant Shigella sonnei, of which there have been 97 cases in 2023 (up to and including November), compared to just 4 cases last year.

The strain is difficult to treat because it does not respond to the antibiotics typically used to treat Shigella. Cases have been diagnosed in all regions of England, but cases are concentrated in London (45), the North West (21) and South East (12).

In January 2022, there was a similar rise in cases of extensively antibiotic-resistant Shigella sonnei infections caused by another outbreak strain.

Cases of Shigella have been rising since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in July 2021, with annual cases now higher than the average before the pandemic. The month with the highest number of reported Shigella diagnoses prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was 392 in September 2019, which increased to 485 in September 2023 – representing a 24% increase.

Shigella is a gut infection that causes diarrhoea (sometimes mixed with blood), stomach cramps and fever. It is caused by bacteria found in faeces.

It can be passed on through the faecal-oral route during sex, either directly or via unwashed hands and only a tiny amount of bacteria can spread the infection. Symptoms are typically seen between 1 and 4 days after exposure and are commonly mistaken for food poisoning.

Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, said: “This is a concerning rise in cases of this antibiotic resistant strain, meaning treatment can be very difficult.

“One of the best ways to protect yourself and your partners is to practice good hygiene after sex. Avoid oral sex immediately after anal sex, and change condoms between anal or oral sex and wash your hands with soap after sexual contact.

“It’s important that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) do not dismiss their symptoms and speak to their GP or sexual health clinic, mentioning Shigella, if they are unwell.

“GBMSM with Shigella may have been exposed to other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, so a sexual health screen at a clinic or ordering tests online is recommended.”

Shigella is very infectious. Although symptoms can be unpleasant, in most cases they will subside within a week, but some individuals need hospitalisation and require intravenous antibiotic treatment. Effective antibiotic treatments are limited for this extremely resistant strain.

Antibiotic treatment is recommended in cases with severe symptoms, those requiring hospital admission, those with prolonged diarrhoea (beyond 7 days) or in those who have underlying immunodeficiency.

If you have been diagnosed with Shigella, give yourself time to recover. Keep hydrated and get lots of rest. Don’t have sex until 7 days after your last symptom and avoid spas, swimming, jacuzzis, hot tubs and sharing towels as well as preparing food for other people until a week after symptoms stop.

Reducing transmission is key to protecting more vulnerable groups. You can find out more information about Shigella and get advice on other topics at Sexwise or by calling the free National Sexual Health Helpline at 0300 123 7123.

Castlebrae summit discusses fireworks disorder

A summit on fireworks between the Council, partner agencies, community representatives, local MPs, MSPs and councillors took place yesterday (December 18) at Castlebrae Community Campus in Niddrie.

This follows the significant level of disorder seen in the city on Bonfire Night (November 5), particularly in the Niddrie area, where emergency services were attacked with fireworks, petrol bombs, masonry, and other missiles.

Since then, 26 people have now been charged with a total of 51 offences and police investigations remain ongoing.

The summit, hosted by Council Leader Cammy Day, discussed the events of this year, and looked ahead to how we address Bonfire Night and fireworks use in the future. This included our preventative community work alongside partners, the future implementation of Firework Control Zones (FCZs) and other strategies. Work is already well underway in these areas.

There will be a further summit in March 2024.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: It was really useful to come together and discuss our collective approach to Bonfire Night and broader fireworks use.

“Unfortunately, in recent years, Bonfire Night has become something of a focal point for potentially life-threatening disorder and violence. This year had the distinction of clear planning and premeditation on the part of those attacking police in Niddrie, which is a deeply disturbing development. I fear that unless we take decisive action now it is only a matter of time before we see serious injuries or even deaths on a future Bonfire Night.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to our fantastic emergency services colleagues who do an excellent job in keeping us all safe.

“I believe that we need to go further and ban the public sale of fireworks, such is the unprecedented risk to public safety and order. Whilst this may seem unfair to the majority of people who celebrate and use fireworks responsibly, what we have seen this year necessitates such a response. I’ll also be looking into whether we can help provide organised displays in the city, so our residents can enjoy fireworks in a safe and secure way.

“We need to face these challenges head on, and I look forward to further summits in the New Year.”

Appeal for information following fatal crash on the City Bypass

POLICE are appealing for information following a fatal crash on the A720 at Dreghorn yesterday.

Around 12.50pm on Thursday, 21 December, police were called to a report of a three vehicle crash on the City Bypass involving a white Ford Kuga and two HGVs.

Emergency services attended and the 68-year-old female driver of the Kuga was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 37-year-old woman and a 70-year-old man, who were passengers in the car, were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

The road was closed while investigations were carried out and fully re-opened around 3.35pm.

Sergeant Paul Ewing said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who died as a result of this crash.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and I would ask anyone who witnessed the crash or the car prior to the crash, who have not already spoken to police to contact us.

“I would also appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have dash cam footage which could assist to get in touch.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 1734 of 21 December, 2023.

Nearly 5,000 churches across the United Kingdom benefit from £42 million conservation fund

Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme supporting the protection of religious buildings representing all faiths and denominations, benefiting local communities

  • Cash boost comes as more than a million people across the country expected to attend Midnight Mass and Christmas Day services in their local church
  • Since 2010, the Government has returned £346 million to listed churches, synagogues, mosques and temples

Nearly 5,000 religious buildings in the United Kingdom have received a share of up to £42 million in public funding ahead of this year’s festive celebrations, as the Government continues its support for the conservation of listed places of worship across the country.

As more than one million people are expected to attend Midnight Mass and Christmas Day services, they might be attending one of the 4,900 places of worship which have benefited from Government support over the last year to ease the cost of essential conservation and maintenance work.

Beneficiaries of the scheme this year include:

  • Leicester Cathedral in Leicester, which has received more than £600,000 to restore the historic building, including renewing the cathedral’s heating, lighting and electrics and creating a heritage learning centre for visitors from the local community and beyond;
  • the 11th-century Chichester Cathedral in Chichester, which has received more than £195,000 for its roof and lighting projects. The cash from the Listed Places of Worship Fund has also supported organ repair and maintenance, new fire and intruder alarms, and support with other major projects to protect this Norman building;
  • the 12th-century Collegiate Church of St Mary in Warwick, which has been granted over £141,500 to repair the ancient tower, including work on the clocks and faces. Funding also supported the maintenance of electric and heating systems as well as new security and alarm systems;
  • the Grade II*-listed All Saints’ Church in Wokingham, which has received £112,000 to rebuild the Copeman Hart organ and install new speakers. New underfloor heating was installed alongside an accessible toilet and entrance;
  • Salford Cathedral, which has received more than £452,000 for a series of works to protect the long-term safety of the 19th-century building, including refurbishment of the roof, new insulation, replacement windows and doors, and new lighting;
  • Llandaff Cathedral, originally opened in 1290, which has received more than £67,000 for design and work to replace the current heating and lighting system;
  • Netherlee and Stamperland Parish Church, East Renfrewshire, which has received £104,000 for works to refurbish the sanctuary roof with works to the masonry, gutters, downpipes, lead works and drains;
  • Shankill Parish Church, Lurgan, Craigavon, which received £92,000 to fund the repair of dry rot, the roof and the lightning conductor on the church’s spire.

To mark the impact of the scheme over the last twelve months, Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay visited St Mary’s Church in Hitchin, Hertfordshire to see how the more than £5,000 it has received has helped to support works on the church’s bells.

Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “As churches across the country fill up for Nativity plays and Christmas services, it’s a reminder of the huge role that they and other places of worship play in the lives of their community.

“The Listed Places of Worship Scheme supports these precious buildings, which are cherished by people of all faiths and none.

“With nearly 5,000 supported over the past year alone, I’m glad to see the difference it has made to visitors, worshippers, and the people who look after them for the benefit of future generations.”

Anne King, leader of the “spaceforall” community project at All Saints’ Church in Wokingham said: We simply could not have done the work without the VAT grant.

“The refund of £250,000 was essential, and, importantly for our cash flow, always paid promptly. We can now run concerts, community drop ins and a lively café as well as enjoying worship in beautiful surroundings.”

Karen Rooms, Dean Designate of Leicester Cathedral said: “The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme is providing vital grant support covering the VAT we incur on the extensive repair work being carried out on our Grade II* listed building as part of our Leicester Cathedral Revealed project.

“We are very grateful for this support which is an essential part of the overall funding package.”

Elizabeth Cranfield, Churchwarden, St Mary’s Church, Hitchin said: “We are very grateful to this scheme for the grants that we have received over the last few years.

“The works have included – replacing crumbling stonework; repairs to leaking roofs and gutters; recasting of the tenor bell and provision of rope guides greatly improving the sound and handling of the ring of 12 bells; installation of a roof alarm.

“These grants have significantly reduced the cost to St Mary’s. It has been easy to use the Scheme and it has undoubtedly supported our vision to keep St Mary’s as a beautiful place of Christian witness for the town and beyond.”

Ruth Bamford, Communar and Bursar for Chichester Cathedral said: “The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme has enabled many projects at Chichester Cathedral.

“Our fundraising arm, the Chichester Cathedral Restoration and Development Trust, do a fantastic job but without the ability to recover VAT through the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, they would have to fundraise for VAT charges.

“Funders would rather see their investment go towards something tangible rather than towards taxes. Recent projects supported by the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme include the complete replacement of the old leaky copper roof with a new lead one.

“We are also upgrading the Cathedral’s internal lighting scheme replacing old lights and cabling with a bespoke LED scheme. The new lighting is sympathetic to the building and has reduced energy consumption by 50%.

“Aside from the major projects, the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme also covers many general repair and maintenance costs for the Cathedral, effectively making the Cathedral fabric neutral in respect of VAT.”

Canon Michael Jones of Salford Cathedral said: “We are delighted and so grateful to have been a beneficiary of the Listed Places of Worship Grant.

“This additional funding is much needed on our journey to fix and restore some of the original design features that have been lost over the years.

“Not only is the project looking to restore the Cathedral’s heritage, using innovative technologies will also provide new sources of energy to heat and light the Cathedral as well as offer long term drainage and roofing solutions to increasingly unpredictable and extreme patterns of weather associated with climate change.

“The project will enhance the sacred space and what we are able to offer the community here in Salford.”

John Luxton, Church Warden at Collegiate Church of St Mary in Warwick said: “St Mary’s is incredibly grateful for the support provided by the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme which was critical in enabling the church to raise the funding required to restore the amazing tower of our Grade I listed building.

“I would urge any organisation in a similar position, seeking support, to investigate the scheme and then check out the eligibility criteria.”

Tony Ireland, Project Manager for Netherlee and Stamperland said: “For us the Listed Places of Worship Scheme was seamlessly administered and the refunds authorised were efficiently delivered direct to our bank account.

We found the explanatory notes detailing the operation of the Scheme straightforward to understand and a useful reference tool to establish what works qualified for support under the Scheme.

“The grant application forms were submitted electronically and after the first form was successfully submitted and approved the subsequent applications confidently followed.

“For listed property such as ours this Scheme delivered not just financial support but a very real feeling that we were part of an important national effort. Thank you Grants Team!”

Archdeacon Mark Harvey, Rector, Shankill Parish Lurgan said: “The Church of Christ the Redeemer in the Parish of Shankill, Lurgan, was consecrated for worship in 1863, and is the largest parish church building in the Church of Ireland.

“Prior to the pandemic, we had been planning to carry out a complete re-ordering of the inside of the church. This had to be delayed however due to urgent repair works. In 2022, we discovered and treated an extensive outbreak of dry rot, and then in 2023, we undertook the enormous task of completely replacing our 160 year-old roof. The total cost of these repair projects was £716,000 plus VAT.

“We could not have completed this work without the benefit of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme which has enabled us to claim back the VAT on these significant repairs and so reduced the financial burden on the parish.

“We now plan to carry out the internal works to the church starting in mid-2024 at an estimated cost of £1.5-£2 million plus VAT. The support of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme thus far has been a huge factor in allowing us to progress these plans.”

Since 2010, the Places of Worship Fund has invested £346 million in listed churches, synagogues, mosques and temples. The fund provides grants towards the VAT incurred on eligible costs, such as works to the roofs, masonry and monuments integral to the buildings. 

Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme recipients from August 2022 onwards (CSV, 318 KB)