Churches protest at VAT on building works
Roof theft campaign
Thirty R&L churches a year would be hit by 20% tax on development projects
Diocese spearheads national initiative
Churches across the diocese have joined the growing protest over government plans to put VAT onto the cost of alterations to listed buildings.
Ripon and Leeds is leading a new national campaign to be rolled out across the country to stop criminals from stealing lead from Britain's church roofs.
external funding manager and Michael Langford, Project Manager), said the move flew in the face of the Big Society.
"This is a kick in the teeth. In Ripon and Leeds it is We are trying to emerge out of expected that some thirty this and the government says, 'we're slapping something churches per year will be afelse on top of it."' The extenfected if VAT at 20% is added to the cost of big projects or sion will house a new kitchen, minor alterations to improve a community room and new listed buildings and make toilets. So far nearly £160,000 themmore r-----------~~~~------~~~~~ community friendly. They include StAndrew's Starbeck which has been raising money for an £800,000 extension, with work due to start this September. has been raised. Unless the Chancellor, George Osbourne, changes his mind Other churches facing an extra St Andrew's will now face an 20% tax bill include StJohn's extra bill of £90,000. East Witton (lighting improveIn a front page article in the ments), StMary Appleton Harrogate Advertiser, vicar, Wiske (new toilet facilies), St. Revd Francis Wainaina (picMary's Garforth (reordering) tured with Maurice Pindar, (Continued on Page 2) www.riponleeds.anglican.org
Several churches, starting in the north of the diocese, along with two other dioceses - Peterborough, and St Edmundsbury and Ipswich - have had roof alarms fitted to some of the most at-risk churches by leading church and heritage insurer Ecclesiastical. Churches throughout the diocese will be able to display signs warning criminals of the presence of roof alarms. Because the alarm sensors are virtually undetectable from (Continued on Page 2)
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Poverty Conference Welcome to Paul New comms director A greener church Baptism history June celebrations