Consultation on the Cathedral’s Long-Term Financial Sustainability
Introduction
Worcester Cathedral is undertaking a consultation as it considers how best to secure its long-term financial sustainability.
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.
As an independent charity responsible for funding our own ministry and the care of this historic building, we must plan responsibly for the future.
Please view the video message from Dean Stephen below for further context.
What Is Being Considered?
This consultation explores whether visitor income might play a stronger role within a wider financial sustainability plan, including the potential introduction of a charged entry fee for visitors.
No decisions have been taken. The purpose of this consultation is to gather informed and honest views before any next steps are considered.
What Is Not Under Consideration?
Our vocation as a place of worship remains unchanged and access for prayer, services and pastoral ministry is not under review.
The Cathedral will continue to be a place of faith, welcome, heritage, community and civic life.
Have Your Say
We warmly encourage anyone with an interest in the Cathedral’s future to take part in the consultation – you can do so here.
The survey will remain open until 10 April 2026.
For further background and answers to common questions, please read our Frequently Asked Questions here.
This page will be updated as the consultation progresses.