The next few weeks are critical in persuading Government to stop the budget proposal to withdraw the zero VAT rate on approved alterations to listed buildings.
The Alliance has used the many emails and letters it has received to identify MPs already alerted and concerned about the damage this measure will inflict on the finest of our historic environment. The Alliance’s latest briefing takes account of the HMRC reply to its Freedom of Information request, and the latest concessions over other VAT ‘anomalies’.
HMRC’s reply to the Alliance’s Freedom of Information request showed what a minute sample the ‘evidence’ was based on and that there is no substance to the allegation that abuse involves wealthy owners building swimming pools with this tax relief.
Like the ‘pasty’ and ‘caravan’ taxes, the measure is an attempt to tidy up the VAT regime but unlike these taxes, the government has ignored the public good. Our listed buildings are designated as national assets and they should not be the victims of an HMRC drive for tidiness in their own internal operations.
Make sure you write to your MP to explain what damage an extra 20% VAT will have on the viability of our listed buildings!
Tags: Alliance, heritage, heritage tax, historic environment, LBVAT, listed buildings, The Heritage Alliance, VAT