§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent representations he has received on value added tax on church repairs; and if he will make a statement. [110634]
§ Mr. Stuart BellThe Church remains concerned at the heavy burden borne largely at parish level resulting from the continuing imposition of VAT on repairs and alterations. I am in regular touch with a group of Church staff who are handling the Church's continuing representations in this area. The Church as a whole continues to co-ordinate its efforts with other faiths and charitable organisations who share our view that the current VAT regime creates heavy costs for church82W communities and charities with limited resources and inhibits conservation and regular necessary repairs to church buildings.
Recent media reports indicating that my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister, may support an equalisation of VAT rates between new build and repairs are very encouraging. Such change would allow greater activity in the field of conservation repairs while demonstrating a sensible and prudent approach to the management of the public finances.