Thank you to everyone who took the trouble to sign the epetition against the imposition of VAT on alterations to listed church buildings.
Following some very hard lobbying work, not least from Bishop Richard himself, the government has agreed a compromise solution whereby the existing Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme will be extended by £30 million p.a. for the life of this parliament.
The National Church Buildings Council is confident that this figure will be sufficient to cover the whole of the eligible VAT liability for both repairs and alterations to listed church buildings. The new system will require the VAT to be paid and then claimed back again.
Other charitable custodians of historic buildings have not yet been so fortunate and their struggle continues.
Please keep an eye on the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme website for further updates.
