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<p>The Church of England's 42 cathedrals contribute over £220million to the national
economy and have, on average 10 million visitors in a typical year. The closure of
churches and cathedrals due to Covid-19 has severely reduced both their ability to
support the local and national economy. Estimates suggest that cathedrals are facing
anticipated losses due to the pandemic of around £28million in 2020 and a projected
further £15million in 2021.</p><p>Cathedrals are eligible and are being encouraged
to apply for funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, and
the Government's £1.57bn Cultural Recovery Fund.</p><p>The Church Commissioners have
made money available to cathedrals in response to the pandemic, including through
the £10 million cathedral sustainability fund, of which £1million is to support cathedrals
wage bills, £1million to support Lay Clerks and cathedral music, £1million to support
specialist heritage trades and a further £5 million on other projects to make cathedrals
more sustainable. The Church Commissioners are currently consulting all cathedrals
about their current circumstances and potential future financial and non-financial
support needs.</p>
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