A tax on our heritage:

Please support the campaign against the introduction of VAT on alterations to listed buildings:

In the budget the Chancellor proposed the withdrawal of the zero rate of VAT for alterations to listed buildings, from October 2012.

Imposing 20% VAT on alterations to listed properties will result in a significant additional financial burden being placed upon those responsible for conserving a significant part of the UK’s heritage, which in turn plays a powerful role in stimulating economic growth and supporting local communities.

The vast majority of listed buildings in the UK are looked after by private individuals, charities and community groups. The 20% rate of VAT on repairs and maintenance to these buildings is already a huge burden and the extension of this to alterations will pose significant problems. In the recently published National Planning Policy Framework the Government explicitly acknowledged the importance of finding an economically viable use for historic buildings. However, the imposition of VAT on alterations is likely to put at risk the ability to secure their future.

As a consequence, the Historic Houses Association is supporting the campaign of

The Heritage Alliance

against the introduction of VAT on alternations to listed buildings.   Members, Friends and Supporters can play a part in this campaign in three ways:

1.     Write to your local MP asking them to press for the zero rate for approved alterations to listed buildings to be retained and stressing the key points:

The imposition of VAT on alterations will endanger the ability to secure the future of historic buildings through finding a viable use for them;

It will undermine the role the historic environment plays in the UK economy, particularly in tourism where heritage is at its heart;

It is an unreasonable burden on individuals, charities and community groups which have a crucial role in looking after the nation’s heritage 

 2. Sign the  e-petition against the introduction of VAT.

3.  Respond to the  Government consultation  by 18 May.  You can see the HHA response to the consultation below.