1. URGENT NOTICE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR
We have been informed that VAT claims need to be in by 31st March 2025 latest if they are to be treated under the current rules – that is, without a cap applying. If the claim is received on or after 1 April then the cap will apply even if the expenditure was incurred before that date.
As a reminder, from 1 April 2025 there is a cap on VAT refunds under the LPWGS. The cap will limit a place of worship to a total VAT refund of £25k in the year (i.e. equivalent to a spend including VAT of £125k).
2. SURVEY
We also wanted to provide information regarding a government-supported survey about the VAT refund scheme. Harlow Consulting have been commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to evaluate the LPWGS, and have issued a survey for places of worship to complete.
The deadline is Tuesday 25 March. The online survey is available at: https://harlowconsulting.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/listedplacesofworshipgrantscheme.
The HRBA have helpful advice via the following link: https://www.hrballiance.org.uk/campaigns/