Call to action

Civic Voice is asking civic society members to join a sector wide campaign to ask the Government to reverse its proposed decision to remove "VAT relief on alterations to listed buildings". You can support this campaign by writing to your MP here.

In the 2012 budget, the Chancellor proposed removing the zero rating of VAT on alterations to listed buildings and this decision has prompted huge interest from civic groups including Guildford, Hexham, Northenden and Newbury (to name a few).

Up to now approved alterations to listed buildings have been exempt from VAT. This means that projects that have “altered listed buildings” have not had to pay VAT on their work at 20%. A building is altered when its fabric, such as its walls, roof, internal surfaces, floors, stairs, windows, doors, plumbing and wiring is changed in a meaningful way.

Civic Voice said "Sensitive alteration is often needed to secure a viable long-term use for many Listed Buildings. We fear that withdrawing VAT relief to these types of projects will be off-putting and many projects may not go ahead. Listed buildings are important as they contribute to the architectural heritage of an area, providing interest and variety to the streetscene and giving an important 'sense of place' to the locality. They play a very real role in promoting a sense of civic pride" .

The consultation closes on May 18th and you can contact your MP here

More information

Civic Voice briefing on VAT relief campaign (here)
The Heritage Alliance Campaign on VAT relief (here)
E-petition on VAT relief (here)

Call to action - Stop removal of VAT relief on alterations to listed buildings