EXCLUSIVE - Stuart Anderson: "In many rural towns and villages, churches are the only buildings in which residents can come together"

South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson writes on the invaluable role of rural churches in farming communities, and why they are currently under threat after the Government slashed annual funding by nearly £20m, in what the Conservatives have dubbed the 'Worship Tax'

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Conservative MP Stuart Anderson said: "Churches require the confidence of ongoing financial support to underpin their long-term sustainability. For every £1 invested in a church building, £16 of social good is generated. Churches double up as community support hubs, hosting local projects including food banks, mental health support, and debt advice."
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Conservative MP Stuart Anderson said: "Churches require the confidence of ongoing financial support to underpin their long-term sustainability. For every £1 invested in a church building, £16 of social good is generated. Churches double up as community support hubs, hosting local projects including food banks, mental health support, and debt advice."

As Christmas approaches, churches will once again be filled with the sound of carols and the smell of mince pies. My constituency of South Shropshire is proudly home to some of the country's most historic...

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