This is a, frankly, an outrage.
A small group of parishioners look after our 1,000 year old church on behalf of the country. It’s a core part of England’s built heritage, but funded solely by villagers, many doing so sacrificially.
We get zero subsidy from the
@churchofengland (who want to spend their money on reparations instead) and none from the UKG.
So, when we raise £70k to redecorate the church later this year, as planned, we’ll need to find another £14k to pay tax.
This shocking government should be ashamed of itself. I’m certainly ashamed of it.
From April 1, listed places of worship will have to bear the full cost of VAT on repairs. This brings to an end a system that has operated successfully for 20 years. Local people will have to raise money not just to repair roofs and towers but to pay a 20% tax to the Government.