Cathedral could charge entry fee for first time

Worcester Cathedral says it may start charging entry fees for visitors for the first time, citing financial pressures.

Consultation is being launched to explore whether income from visitors could help with the costs of running and caring for the historic building.

The cathedral said the money would go towards energy bills, maintenance, staffing and essential services.

But Dean Stephen Edwards said the cathedral would always remain a place of worship, with normal access for prayer and pastoral support not changing.

"Through this consultation we explore how we can invite appropriately those who visit primarily for heritage and tourism to contribute fairly towards the cost of maintaining the cathedral and its activities," he said.

"Like many historic institutions, we are experiencing rising running and maintenance costs.

"While careful financial management and support from our endowment have enabled us to balance budgets in recent years, this has reduced our reserves and increased our reliance on investment income.

"To remain resilient and financially sustainable in the years ahead, we need to strengthen and diversify our recurring income streams."

The cathedral is asking for views via a survey which remains open until 10 April.

It stated no decision on visitor fees had yet been made.

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