HC Deb 19 March 2001 vol 365 c32W
Mr. Bob Russell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will introduce the lower level of value added tax for church building work; and if he will make a statement. [154007]

Dawn Primarolo

The Government announced in the Budget that they would be introducing a UK-wide grant scheme to help congregations with the cost of repairs and maintenance to listed buildings that are used as places of worship. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will be consulting on the details but the effect will be to reduce VAT costs to 5 per cent. on new work undertaken from 1 April 2001.

Mr. Bob Russell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his proposals for a lower level of value added tax will apply to all buildings designated as places of worship irrespective of denomination and religion; and if he will make a statement. [154006]

Dawn Primarolo

The new grant scheme announced in the Budget for listed buildings that are used as places of worship will help all denominations and religions with the cost of VAT on repairs and maintenance.