Castle Point MP Dame Rebecca Harris, has written to the Chancellor alongside 35 Conservative MP colleagues, calling on her not to end VAT relief on repairs for Listed Places of Worship at the upcoming Autumn Budget. The letter voices concern over the potential impact of removing this relief, which has helped maintain the nation’s heritage buildings and supported local communities across the UK.

For years, VAT relief has been essential in aiding churches and other religious buildings with their maintenance and restoration needs. These buildings, many of which are centuries old, require costly repairs and restoration efforts to preserve them for future generations. Without VAT relief, church communities may struggle to afford necessary repairs, which could impact their role in supporting local residents and providing safe gathering spaces.

Nearly 5,000 religious buildings in the United Kingdom received a share of £42 million in public funding in the last year alone on projects such as altar repairs, new bells, refurbishments to pews and renovations to decorations such as wall paintings, carvings and stonework. The scheme is currently due to end in March 2025 and Dame Rebecca is now publicly asking the Chancellor to guarantee the extension of this scheme ahead of the Autumn Budget on Wednesday. 

Dame Rebecca Harris emphasised the importance of preserving the nation’s cultural heritage and the role these buildings play in the fabric of communities:

"Castle Point and North Benfleet are blessed with some beautiful medieval churches that are not only symbols of our shared history but are also vital community spaces that support countless activities beyond religious services. Removing VAT relief on essential repairs would place an extra financial burden on these churches, making it harder for them to serve their communities effectively. I urge the Chancellor to maintain this relief and protect the heritage and social value of these historic sites."