David Chadwick has called on the UK Government to scrap what he described as a “church tax”, warning that historic places of worship across the region could face closure without urgent support.

The Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe says changes to funding for listed places of worship risk leaving communities facing rising repair bills for churches and chapels.

The Government has ended the long-standing Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which allowed VAT on essential repairs to be reclaimed. The scheme had already been reduced to around £23 million a year and is now being replaced by a new capital-based system which, critics say, will still leave buildings exposed to tax costs.

The Liberal Democrats say the move amounts to a “significant drop in funding” for historic buildings at a time when many are already struggling to cover basic maintenance.

The National Churches Trust recently warned that the new grant money is insufficient, estimating that 1 in 20 churches in the UK require a new roof or gutter this year alone. Without action, the estimated tax bill for places of worship over the next four years is expected to exceed £120 million.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for the Government to restore full VAT exemption for listed places of worship, reinstate the grant scheme without a cap on individual claims, and increase funding back to £42 million per year.

Mr Chadwick said: “Our historic places of worship are a vital glue that binds our communities in Mid Wales together. Churches are more than places of worship - they are hubs for food banks, youth groups, and local support.

“Liberal Democrats are the ones who get things done for our communities - and that includes fixing church roofs. We won't stand by while our heritage is taxed into dereliction.

“The Government must reimburse churches for all VAT on repairs. We are calling for an immediate reinstatement of the grant scheme to protect these iconic buildings for future generations.”