Peterborough Cathedral is facing financial ruin in just a few months amid rising National Insurance costs, the cost of living crisis and dwindling donations.
The dean, the Very Reverend Christopher Dalliston has launched a fundraising appeal, hoping to raise £300,000 by the end of March.
He warned the cathedral will not survive without extra financial support, with Peterborough at risk of becoming the UK’s first “part-time” cathedral.
The institution has been a key landmark in the city for almost 1,400 years, but without finance will not be able to stay open seven days a week.
The institution has been a key landmark in the city for almost 1,400 years
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The Very Rev Dalliston said a combination of different rising financial costs contributed to the crisis.
He said they had seen a “dampening down of donating and voluntary giving”, despite being a tourist destination and the resting place of Catherine of Aragon and Mary, Queen of Scots.
The dean added that the loss of income also coincided with the cathedral’s own cost of living crisis, specifically rising heating bills.
“Unlike many businesses, we can’t simply downsize our building and move to a new one,” he told The Telegraph.
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The Very Rev Dalliston said Rachel Reeves’ decision to increase employers’ National Insurance contributions added to their financial strain.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the dean warned that without donations, they may have to restrict church activity and introduce a visitors’ fee.
He urged the public to give their support, saying: “This cathedral has been at the heart of Peterborough and the diocese for nearly 1,400 years. It belongs to everyone in this city and beyond.”
“We urgently need your support to keep its doors open and ensure it remains a place of inspiration and sanctuary for all.”
The Very Rev Dalliston said on Monday that they must face the “hard truth” of not being able to make ends meet
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The cathedral costs about £2 million each year to run, getting its money from donations, events and the Church of England grant.
The £300,000 they hope to raise would contribute to the continuation of educational and musical initiatives as well as help with essential repairs.
The Very Rev Dalliston said on Monday that they must face the “hard truth” of not being able to make ends meet.
“Our situation is particularly acute and our reserves are few. We have virtually nothing to draw on to help us ride through this particular storm,” he said.