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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Friday, 27 September 2013. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
AN EXTENSION to a grant scheme that aims to help listed places of worship with funds for repairs and restorations has been welcomed. The government has announced changes to the Listed Places of Worship grant scheme, from 1 October 2013 that will enable more churches to claim money back on important works.
The new rules mean that works to pipe organs, turret clocks, bells and bell ropes will be eligible.
Professional services directly related to those works, such as architect fees will also become eligible. The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme makes grants towards the VAT incurred in making repairs and carrying out alterations to listed buildings mainly used for public worship.
The scheme has an annual budget of £42m, and presently receives around 4000 claims each year. Claiming will be simpler and in any 12 month period each place of worship can submit one claim using eligible invoices for less than £1000, but more than £500 (excluding the VAT paid).
This is in addition to an unlimited number of claims where the value of eligible work carried out (excluding VAT) is £1000 or greater.
Scanned or photocopied invoices will now be accepted to support claims and the scheme will process payment runs each week to deliver a smoother flow of payments to applicants.
This will result in most applicants receiving their grant more quickly. Natalie Merry, Secretary to the DAC, said: "This is welcome news for people in churches who will be able to reclaim VAT on a much wider range of work."Full details of all these changes, how they will apply and new application forms will be available on the Listed Places of Worship grant scheme website from 1 October 2013.