“I welcome the new funding for cathedral repairs announced in the 2014 Budget.” says Michael Fabricant. “The grant scheme will provide £20 million towards grants for repairs to cathedrals. The grant, with match funding, will assist the repair and preservation of cathedrals across the country.

“Lichfield Cathedral is over 800 years old – and the lighting and electrics is almost as old and needs repair! The Cathedral is an important part of our community whether it be for worship or hosting events like the Lichfield Festival. It brings tourists to Lichfield and helps the local economy. I hope to work with the Cathedral to make sure we benefit from this funding.”

George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said in the Budget Statement: “Cathedrals are an important part of our national heritage and will be important places of remembrance as we mark the centenary of the Great War. To help repair cathedrals and preserve them for the future, a scheme will provide £20 million towards grants for repairs”. (HM Treasury, Budget 2014, 19 March 2014).