Fresh fears have been raised over the future of rural churches, as government funding is set to dry up within months if an extension is not granted.
The Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme (LPWGS) enables crucial repair and conservation works to keep historic churches.
The full budget had been maintained under the previous government, until it was cut to only half of the usual amount in January 2025.
In January this year, the government also introduced a cap of £25,000 per building on the VAT that could be reclaimed was also introduced.
In his representation to the Autumn Budget consultation, Stuart had urged the Chancellor to reinstate the full £43 million annual budget.
However, the Chancellor failed to provide any update on the scheme when she delivered her statement on Wednesday 26th November 2025.
Stuart has said that the ongoing uncertainty and cap risk undermining confidence in the scheme, which was created in 2010.
Over the last fifteen years, the scheme has invested more than £346 million to support projects that repair the roofs, masonry, and monuments integral to such buildings.
While more than seven in ten claims are for under £5,000, works required for major parish churches and cathedrals often exceed the cap.
Large projects typically cost hundreds of thousands or even millions of pounds. These crucial works improve access, facilities, and community spaces - enabling parishes to support those most in need.
Now, a survey from the National Churches Trust has found that two in five churches are at risk of closure - with one in three churches using reserves on basic costs
The survey of more than 3,600 churches has found that those in rural areas are most at risk, with about 900 of them in danger of closing within the next five years.
The survey also found that three-quarters of churches were used by community groups, with many offering food banks, mental health support and debt advice.
Stuart's renewed campaign comes as Historic England's latest Heritage at Risk Register reveals that almost a thousand parish churches are in need of urgent support. The Register lists 927 parish churches.
The Register has 54 entries for South Shropshire, including 20 chapels and churches. The 2025 National Churches Survey has shown that over 70% of funding for church buildings comes from fundraising.
The Church of England's 16,000 churches and 42 cathedrals are some of the nation's most important community assets.
12,500 of these are listed buildings, and total nearly half of our nation's Grade I listed buildings. These sites underpin tourism, sustain thousand of jobs, and help revitalise our high streets.
Nearly 80% of Church of England church buildings host some 31,300 social action projects a year - including emergency food provision in areas of lower economic activity.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"Churches play a key role in supporting communities like South Shropshire. However, Historic England's latest Heritage at Risk Register reveals that almost a thousand of them are in need of urgent support. Investing in these churches would deliver significant benefits for residents. That is why I urged the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to scrap the cap on the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme which, since 2010, has enabled conservation projects that keep our historic churches open. The government should also restore the £43 million annual budget that had been maintained under the previous government. This would give local churches the confidence needed to undertake projects that increase access, improve facilities, and continue serving local communities."
