041/06
28 March 2006
Listed Places Of Worship And Memorials VAT Grant Schemes
Culture Minister, David Lammy welcomes the Budget announcement that the Listed Places of Worship and Memorials Grants schemes will now run until 2011.
The Listed Places of Worship scheme returns to faith groups the equivalent of the VAT incurred in making repairs to listed places of worship, while the Memorials scheme rebates the VAT incurred by charities and faith groups in building and maintaining memorial structures.
David Lammy, Minister for Culture, said:
"I am delighted that the Listed Places of Worship and Memorials schemes have been given a longer future. This will be welcome news to the many thousands of eligible churches and other places of worship, and to the charities that maintain the nation's memorials.
"I am pleased that the Government is able to continue this important contribution to the preservation of the nation's heritage, and to support the valuable work of volunteers."
Both schemes had previously been due to end in 2008.
In addition, the Chancellor has announced that the schemes will now cover the VAT incurred on professional fees such as architects and surveyors, and the Listed Places of Worship scheme will also cover works to some fixtures and fittings currently excluded.
New guidance will be issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in due course.
Notes to Editors
1. The Listed Places of Worship Grant scheme was introduced in 2001 to repay to faith groups the equivalent of the VAT incurred in making fabric repairs to listed church buildings. It has paid out over £42 million since 2001.
2. Following an announcement in Budget 2005, the scheme was extended to 2008. Today's announcement means the scheme will now run until 2011.
3. The Memorials Grant Scheme was introduced in Budget 2005 and repays to charities and faith groups the equivalent of the VAT incurred in building, repairing and maintaining memorial structures. The scheme was due to run until 2008, but will now continue until 2011.
4. Today's announcement also extends both schemes to cover some elements of expenditure previously ruled ineligible. These are the fees of professionals such as architects and surveyors, and some fixtures and fittings in churches. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will announce the new eligibility guidelines in due course. .
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