HC Deb 18 November 2002 vol 394 cc358-9
30. Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York)

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent representations the Commissioners have received concerning VAT on repairs to church buildings; and if he will make a statement.[81524]

33. Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore)

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on discussions with European partners on obtaining a reduced rate of value added tax on repairs and maintenance of church buildings.[81527]

Second Church Estates Commissioner (Mr. Stuart Bell)

The Commissioners have not received any formal representations on this matter recently. However, a number of right hon. and hon. Members who have a strong interest in this matter visited the Church Commissioners recently, and I shall be leading a strong delegation to the European Parliament for meetings on 4 December.

Miss McIntosh

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply and declare that I am one of the humble Members of Parliament to have been given hospitality by the Church Commissioners. What has been the take-up of the grants in lieu of VAT reduction on church repairs? Is not this a hugely bureaucratic exercise, costing the Church a vast sum to put the applications together?

Mr. Bell

The hon. Lady's continued interest in this matter is greatly appreciated, not only in the House but by the Church as a whole.

The number of claims received and being processed by the end of the third quarter of 2002 was more than 1,500, and the total payments to churches from the scheme, as at the end of August, was nearly £3 8 million. More applications are now coming in. The question of bureaucracy is currently under consideration with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and we are hopeful that it might be relieved somewhat, making it easier for the applications not only to be submitted but to be successful.

Huw Irranca-Davies

Does my hon. Friend agree that the interim measures for listed places of worship have been very welcome, although I agree with the hon. Member for Vale of York (Miss McIntosh) that there is concern about what is an alteration and what is a repair, and what are fixtures and what are fittings? There is also a problem with the original invoices, which are often needed for other grant applications. Will he extend his consideration beyond listed buildings, which would be especially valuable in Wales for—

Mr. Speaker

Order.

Mr. Bell

I am grateful for your assistance, Mr. Speaker. As we say in courts of law, that was not one question but two.

The Church Commissioners are always glad to see my hon. Friend, and we welcome his taking an interest in this subject. As he is aware, the question of invoices and of how we can speed up the process is very much in the mind of the Church. He will be happy to know that more application forms are now sent out and that the company administering the scheme on behalf of the Government is considering the matter. We hope that any problems with invoices will be solved and that they will all be successfully paid.