Historic churches future hanging by thread as tax relief scheme faces possible end
UKʼs historic churches could lose vital tax benefits for repairs starting next spring. The two-decade-old scheme helps thousands of religious buildings stay open while saving millions in restoration costs
A tax-relief program thats helped fix UK churches for over 20 years might end next spring‚ putting many historic buildings future at risk. The scheme (which saves religious places from paying 20% VAT on repair work) needs Rachel Reeves approval to continue
British churches face hard times ahead — the current program that gives back £25-40 million yearly for fixes could disappear as Reeves looks to fill a £40-billion budget gap. Since early 2000s this tax-break has helped almost 5‚000 listed worship places stay open
The nations 38‚500 Christian buildings dont just hold prayer meetings; theyʼre UKʼs biggest volunteer centers and keep half of Britains top-rated historic structures safe. Sir Philip Rutnam from National Churches Trust points out: these places store the countrys largest art sets including stained-glass windows and wall-art
Churches and sacred places of worship are not just an essential part of our religious life‚ but an important part of the history and the fabric of our country
A group of 36 conservative MPs (led by Neil OBrien) wrote to the Treasury asking to keep this help going. Some success stories include the 11th-century Chichester Cathedral getting £195‚000 for its roof work; while the 12th-century St Marys in Warwick used £141‚500 to fix its old tower
Recent study shows these buildings bring £55 billion yearly benefit to UK society — they save NHS about £8.4 billion per year (same as hiring 230‚000 more nurses). Christopher Chope MP has put forward a bill to make this VAT break permanent in law‚ as its the only regular government support churches get
