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CLA steps up campaign against heritage VAT increaseThe CLA, whose members look after a third of all listed buildings in England and Wales, is stepping up its campaign against the Government's decision to remove the VAT zero rating on alterations to listed buildings. The Association says the decision will hit Britain's heritage with an additional tax burden of £125million each year, jeopardising projects such as converting redundant buildings into housing and creating community buildings. It would also disrupt the continual programme of works to churches, historic houses and monuments It has already met the Minister responsible for VAT, briefed MPs and pressed for changes to the Finance Bill which is seeing through the Budget's proposals. To help harness public opinion the CLA has joined forces with other organisations including the Historic Houses Association (HHA), the Heritage Alliance, and the Cut-the-VAT Coalition. All are calling on the Government to reverse the decision. In the Midlands, the CLA and HHA are working together to achieve their common aim.
Chairman of the Heart of England HHA Caroline Magnus said: "The zero rating of VAT on alterations to listed buildings provided an incentive for owners to adapt them to make them fit for modern use. Listed buildings are disproportionately expensive to maintain and this is virtually the only concession available to help alleviate the increased costs of ownership, particularly as 20 percent VAT is already levied on all repairs. "Removing this concession is likely to discourage owners from embarking on projects which will give historic buildings a viable future. "It will also dissuade potential buyers of listed buildings in need of rescue. This could well lead to a downturn in the conservation building industry, with skilled contractors losing their jobs and opportunities for employment in traditional craft skills lost. All the effort and investment that has gone into combating the perceived skills shortages in recent years will have been for nothing." "Historic house owners are dedicated to keeping their properties in good repair and to ensuring they have a viable future. In rural communities, historic houses are often a major source of economic activity and employment in the area." Both Associations believe there must be strong public opposition to the change.
CLA Director Midlands Caroline Bedell said: "This is clearly a revenue-raising measure that puts our heritage at risk and will alienate many owners, as the disadvantages of listing considerably outweigh the few, if any, remaining benefits. "If you feel strongly about this you can help in a number of ways: "Express your concern by email or in writing to your local MP, especially if you know of any local projects at risk. "Sign the online petition at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/32056 "The Government claims that the effects of this tax raid will be "negligible". This is clearly wrong so I am asking owners of listed buildings to contact me with details of projects may be jeopardised by the VAT increase." |
Contact Caroline Bedell MRICS FAAV
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Caroline leads the Midlands team and has overall responsibility for the management of the CLA’s regional business and membership.
A qualified Chartered Surveyor respected throughout the industry, she also represents the CLA on a wide range of regional committees and panels.
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