Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Concerns are growing over the future of Devon’s historic churches after a local MP warned that a new “church tax” could leave many facing closure.
Martin Wrigley has called on the Government to reverse recent changes to funding for listed places of worship, arguing the move could place an unsustainable financial burden on communities across the county.
The warning follows the decision to scrap the long-standing Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which allowed churches and other historic religious buildings to reclaim VAT on essential repairs and maintenance.
In its place, a new capital funding scheme has been introduced - but, crucially, it is subject to VAT, meaning churches could now face significantly higher costs for vital upkeep.
Mr Wrigley said the changes risk putting some of Devon’s most valued buildings in jeopardy.
“Our historic places of worship are a vital glue that binds our communities in Devon together,” he said. “Church…
