For Britain’s cathedrals, the marking of the centenary of the First World War has turned out to be a Godsend, writes James Macintyre. It has provided the inspiration for the Chancellor’s scheme to free up urgently needed cash for vital repairs to the buildings.In recent years, cathedrals have received minimal public money, and are excluded from the existing Heritage Lottery Fund which assists all other listed places of public worship. That is why this scheme will make such a difference.A panel, soon to be announced by the Government, will decide on how the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund is to be allocated. The panel will be made up of experts in ecclesiastical architecture, architectural history and grants management.The grants will be based on necessity of r