§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss the administration of grants to churches to cover the VAT element of the cost of repairs. [43847]
§ Mr. BellI have had no discussions recently about the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which is managed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. However, I understand that a number of successful applications have already received moneys from the scheme.
Discussions with the Treasury continue on the wider question of a reduction of VAT payable on the repair and maintenance of listed church buildings. I understand the European Commission has indicated that it will consider this matter as part of its general review of reduced rates in 2003.