Anonymous Donor offers to cover The Belfrey’s funding shortfall

An anonymous Donor has approached St Michael le Belfrey (The Belfrey) and offered to cover, if needed, the full £1.2m shortfall of its £8.5m Impact building project; caused by the new VAT cap on the Listed Places of Worship scheme.*

“This is an extraordinary and wonderful blessing”; exclaims Andy Baker, Interim Priest in Charge. “When we were faced with the shortfall, following the Government’s sudden introduction of the VAT cap, we led a call to pray - with people praying together in person, and via online meetings, as well as fasting. A number of people believed that God would provide the money at the right time;” Andy explains.

The donation was pledged the day BEFORE The Belfrey was due to instruct its Design Team and Contractors that a significant reduction in Project scope would be necessary.

“However, many of our Christian family in mid build church projects across England have had to reduce their vision, and work out how to meet the huge funding gaps that have been left;” continues Andy. “We stand with them and continue to campaign for an outcome where the Government fully recognises the value that our churches make to society, spiritual development and the economy of this country.

“We are so thankful to all those who have supported us in lobbying the DCMS, in particular local MP Rachael Maskell, who has worked tirelessly on our behalf, and our national colleagues including Emily Gee, Director for Cathedrals and Churches, Church Commissioners for England. We pray that their passion and wisdom will be heard and understood;” finishes Andy.

*N.B. On 22 January 2025 the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced that it would extend the Listed Places of Worship (LPOW) grant scheme for a further year but they would cap the scheme for VAT reclaims at £25,000 per year, giving just two months’ notice. The cap, imposed mid project, leaves churches like The Belfrey unable to reclaim the VAT budgeted for, threatening their viability. In our case it has created a sudden £1.4m shortfall. Since that time The Belfrey have managed to reduce the shortfall by £200k through making advance payments to contractors which still left £1.2m to find.

For Media Enquiries, Interviews and Further Information:

Please contact Gillian Shepherd, Impact Project Manager: on 07795 644680, email gillian.shepherd@belfrey.org or Amber Boydell, Operations Manager: email amber.boydell@belfrey.org.
See www.belfrey.org/impact