New savings measures for listed places of worship
Grant scheme to be revised in line with government efficiency savings.
John Penrose, Minister for Tourism and Heritage has announced today that the .
Currently listed places of worship, of any faith or denomination, can claim a grant equal to the VAT paid on eligible maintenance and building works. The new measures will see return to its original scope of eligibility which will exclude works on clocks, pews, bells, organs and professional services such as architects鈥� fees, for the rest of this financial year.聽
鈥淓veryone is being asked to make savings so I鈥檓 afraid we cannot exclude this scheme, however much I would like to,鈥� said . 鈥淲e asked聽 representatives of the major denominations how they would prefer the savings to be made, and it was agreed that reducing the scope was the least damaging option for making savings, whilst still allowing claims for all other sorts of work.鈥�
About the scheme
The future of the scheme - which has given over 拢111 million since it began in 2001 - is currently under review as part of the (CSR).
鈥淭he Listed Places of Worship scheme has helped around nine thousand communities to repair their historic places of worship,鈥� said Crispin Truman, Chair of Places of . 鈥淎ny loss of scope under the scheme is to be regretted, but we appreciate that the Department needs to contribute to the savings needed, and are pleased that denominations had a chance to comment on the proposals.鈥�