Currently, 20 per cent VAT has to be paid when churches have extensions and refurbishment work done.
The petition states that modifications to church buildings also take place in “deprived areas and the amount taken from any funds raised by the churches makes it, in a lot if instances, difficult to carry out all the work required”.
David John Mason who started the petition gave an example of when a church has struggled to pay VAT.
“Our church in Denton undertook a refurbishment in 2005 which brought many people and groups into the church and its premises, at a time when councils were closing facilities,” he explained.
“Churches help by housing groups that otherwise would have to close, or at least restrict the work that they do. This type of [work] includes working with various health groups, places for the young and old to meet, and much more.
“We are looking at a £1,000,000 project which incurs £200,000 in tax, this mean much of it will not be done.”
So far, 107 people have signed the petition but 10,000 signatures are required for the government to respond. With 100,000 signatures, the petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.
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