Historic churches are often high maintenance structures, with declining congregations upon whose shoulders the burden of maintenance and repair primarily rests. However, grants have made an enormous difference. In 2005 AHP undertook a review of the conservation impact of projects delivered through the Heritage Lottery Fund/English Heritage Joint Places of Worship Programme (JPOW) between 1996 and 2002. This study demonstrated the beneficial effect of grant aiding both the repair of historic places of worship, and the provision of modest facilities to allow for extended use of the buildings.
This limited review was followed in December 2005 by a major review of the impact of HLF/EH funding for churches between 1996 and 2005. AHP’s review can be read on HLF’s website (hlf.org.uk) under publications and information.