Lincoln Cathedral Dean warns current funding model “doesn’t work”
Historic landmark running at a deficit as calls grow for Government and Church to rethink how cathedrals are funded
The Dean of Lincoln Cathedral has warned the current way historic churches are funded in England is “not sustainable”, as the site faces tens of millions of pounds in repair costs.
Simon Jones says more than £60 million will be needed over the next five years to carry out essential conservation work on the building.
He says the scale of the challenge is made worse by the way funding is currently structured — with cathedrals forced to apply for grants on a project-by-project basis, rather than receiving consistent, long-term support.
Speaking to us, he said: “The current funding formula for English cathedrals doesn’t work.”
Lincoln Cathedral costs around £15,800 a day to keep open, funded through a mix of donations, visitor income, events and grant funding. But despite those income streams, the cathedral is currently running at a deficit of around £1.4 million a year.
Major works are already underway, including repairs to the Chapter House, with further urgent projects planned — including structural work to parts of the nave.
But the Dean says without a more stable funding model, planning ahead remains difficult.
He explained cathedrals are not directly funded by central government or the Church Commissioners for the upkeep of their buildings — meaning leaders must repeatedly bid for grants or launch public appeals to cover costs.
“We know what needs to be done,” he said. “We just don’t have the funding in place to do it.”
He’s now calling on Government and the Church Commissioners to work together to create a more sustainable system — arguing cathedrals are not just places of worship, but nationally significant heritage sites.
As one of the UK’s most recognisable landmarks, Lincoln Cathedral has stood for nearly a thousand years — and remains a focal point for the city and wider county.
The Dean says he remains hopeful a solution can be found, but warns change is needed to secure the building’s long-term future.
A spokesperson for the Church Commissioners says they recognise the financial pressures of maintaining historic buildings, but stresses cathedrals are responsible for their own upkeep.
They say support is provided through national funding schemes — including £48.1m allocated between 2026 and 2028 — alongside grants, sustainability funding and covering senior clergy costs.
They also point to wider government support, with a £92m Places of Worship Renewal Fund set to replace the previous grant scheme.