Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to take steps to remove VAT from (a) services and (b) goods used for the repair and maintenance of (i) churches and (ii) other religious buildings.

The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme aims to redress financial shortfalls by providing grants towards VAT paid on repairs and maintenance to the nation's listed places of worship.

With annual funding increased to £42 million per annum, the scheme has made grants totalling over £300 million since its introduction.

There are no plans to introduce a new VAT relief for the repair and maintenance of places of worship. However, the Government keeps all taxes under review.