Campaigners said today there’s only a week to save an historic York church from being potentially abandoned as an eyesore.
St Michael le Belfrey, the Grade I listed medieval church building next to York Minster, has been left with a £1.4 million black hole in its transformation project due to a sudden goverment rule change.
The listed places of worship grant scheme now caps VAT reclaims at £25,000 a year.
The cap, imposed mid project, leaves churches like The Belfrey unable to reclaim the VAT budgeted for, threatening their viability.
Andy Baker, interim priest in charge of The Belfrey said: “We are calling on the government to exempt projects already under construction from this cap, and asking people to join us in lobbying DCMS.
“We are very grateful to Rachael Maskell, MP York Central, for sponsoring the exemption motion and for her unwavering support.
“But so far DCMS has shown no sign in reversing their decision that could potentially leave an unfinished building eyesore in the historic heart of York.
“We are offering a template for people to write to their local MP if outside York Central, or Chris Bryant and calling on the media for their support.”
Chris Bryant is the minister for creative industries, arts and tourism.
The Belfrey welcomes an average of 600 worshippers weekly and 35,000 visitors annually. It runs a social action programme including a Christians Against Poverty (CAP) debt advice centre, counselling services and a foodbank.
It is also a resource church for the Diocese of York with responsibilities for leadership development and helping to plant and revitalise churches across the North.
The large scale repair and renewal project, known as Impact, is the result of many years of planning and fundraising. Currently mid construction and surrounded in scaffolding and hoardings, the project is set to make the Belfrey church building more accessible, resourceful and sustainable.
A church spokesperson said: “If the VAT cap is imposed York could be left with an unfinished building and visible building site in the city centre, right next to York Minster – one of the most visited tourist attractions in the UK.
“This could also result in a reduced social action programme, fewer opportunities to share the Christian faith, a smaller leadership development programme and removal of a city centre visitor attraction.”
We have asked the Department for Culture, Media & Sport for a response.