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Churches welcome VAT scheme extension and expansion

22 March 2006

 

The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Rt Revd George Cassidy, who is also Chairman of the Churches Main Committee, warmly welcomed Gordon Brown’s announcement to substantially expand the scope of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme and extend its operation for a further three years until 2010-11.

Bishop George said, “The Budget announcement is great news. The increase in the eligibility criteria under the Scheme to cover the VAT costs incurred on professional fees and include fixtures and fittings for listed places of worship, such as bells, pews, clocks and organs will return substantial sums to financially hard-pressed parishes.”

The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme and the recently announced Memorials Scheme acknowledge the massive costs borne by churches as they seek to maintain their buildings so that they are able to continue serving the community in so many ways.

 

Note to Editors:

1) The Budget announcement:

"In recognition of the importance of places of worship and memorials for local communities, the Government will extend the period for which funding will be available for the listed places of worship and memorials VAT refund schemes for three further years until 2010-11. Both schemes will now also cover the VAT costs incurred on professional fees and include fixtures and fittings for listed places of worship, such as bells, pews, clocks and organs."

2) The Churches Main Committee:

The Churches Main Committee is a body representative of around forty Christian Churches. Its primary role is as a vehicle for conveying to the Government the views of the Churches on legislation and other matters that directly affect them.

 

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