In Parliament

VAT on church repairs and maintenance 22 June 2010

Jessica Morden, MP for Newport East has today in the House of Commons called for the Government to extend the popular Listed Places of Worship Scheme which allows churches to claim back VAT on church repairs and maintenance. The scheme, introduced by the last Labour Government, is due to come to an end in March 2011, helps communities safeguard our historic church buildings which are a vital part of the heritage of Wales. Churches receive no Government funding and small grants are limited.

Jessica Morden said "I have been contacted by a number of local churches who are able to maintain and repair their buildings because they can claim back the VAT at 17.5%. We owe a debt of gratitude to the congregations who fundraise enormous sums to keep these buildings open and this scheme is one way of helping them. Many of our historic church buildings will struggle to survive, despite the efforts of local congregations, if the Government does not agree to extend the Listed Places of Worship Scheme.

Jessica raised the question on Tuesday 22nd June at Church Commissioner's questions.