Representatives of England's Anglican cathedrals have met with the Government to discuss how the buildings are funded.The issue was raised during a recent meeting at the House of Lords between a group of cathedral deans and the Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey.
The Church of England's 43 mainland cathedrals cost tens of millions of pounds a year to maintain but currently receive no direct government funds - apart from grants toward the VAT incurred on repairs to listed church buildings.
Research by the BBC last year found that a significant proportion of English cathedrals were worried about their running costs. At least nine charge entry fees for visitors.
The meeting was organised by Lord Cormack - who lives in Cathedral Close in Lincoln - and the Dean of Lincoln, Philip Buckler.