Until the Government drops its plans to add 20% VAT to listed building alterations from 1st October, the UK’s heritage is still at risk.

On the day the consultation on this VAT increase closes, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) wants the Government to look beyond churches and recognise the value of all listed buildings.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders said: "The Government has announced £30 million to help listed places of worship pay the VAT on their repairs and alterations. This is welcome news, but no one with an interest in seeing the continued use of all of our historic buildings will be satisfied with this step. Removing the zero rate of VAT on alterations to listed buildings in such a short timescale will add significantly to the existing financial burdens on private owners and charities that look after our cherished heritage."

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Mr Berry continued: "By pressing ahead with this change the Government will also inflict further hardship on the construction industry, which already has little hope of growing over the next two years. We know projects have been cancelled or put on hold as charities worry about how to raise an additional 20% and projects become unaffordable. The Government should step back from this planned tax increase and carry out a longer review of the impact on the UK’s heritage, the future viability of our listed buildings and the economic recovery."

(CD)