Religious Buildings: Repairs and Maintenance

Miss McIntosh
To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what recent representations the Church Commissioners have received on the effects of the scheme which rebates value added tax payable on repairs for listed places of worship.

Sir Stuart Bell
On 11 February the General Synod made a clear statement that this extremely welcome scheme, which had by the end of January 2010 paid out over £101 million across the UK but is due to end on 31 March 2011, should be extended.

As no provision has been agreed within the EU to allow for the reduction of VAT for repairs to listed places of worship, the Church is campaigning, in partnership with other denominations and faiths, to persuade the Government to ensure the continuation of this scheme. The scheme makes a huge difference to our parish churches which are currently spending over £110 million on repairs and we are pleased that the hon. Lady and other hon. Members are actively involving themselves in this campaign and helping us to maintain a major part of the nation’s built heritage for future generations.