VAT ON ALTERATIONS TO CHURCHES

Early day motion 2979, tabled 18 April 2012 by Valerie Vaz (Labour). Signed by 32 members.

That this House notes the announcement in the Budget that alterations to listed properties will be subject to the standard rate of VAT; is concerned that 45 per cent of the GradeIlisted buildings in this country are Church of England churches; further notes that out of 16,000 Church of England churches 12,500 are listed and will be subject to this VAT; further notes that the budget to cover the repair of churches for the scheme has this year been cut from 23 million to 7 million; acknowledges that many of these buildings are maintained by volunteers; further notes that many of the alterations in question will make such buildings more viable for use by the wider community; and calls on the Government to exclude listed places of worship from the standard rate of VAT.

Signatures by party: Labour 22, DUP 4, Conservative 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Alliance 1.