Dr. Sharman Kadish, head of Jewish Heritage UK, has weighed in on the debate in the UK over the possibility that the Value Added Tax exemption for restoring historic buildings may be cancelled.
The Jewish Chronicle in London reports that Kadash called on the government to rethink plans to withdraw VAT exemption on repairs to listed buildings, claiming it would hinder the preservation of old synagogues.
She said the measure would have “a detrimental effect on historic synagogues – and churches – which want to improve their facilities by installing toilets, kitchens and disability access, which are vital in keeping these buildings in use”.
Added Dr Kadish, the founding director of Jewish Heritage: “It is bad enough that the guaranteed 100 per cent reimbursement of VAT on government-funded repair grants was withdrawn last year. In general, it is invidious that VAT is charged on repairs to old buildings but not on new-build projects. This merely encourages developers to demolish rather than to invest in regeneration, which is greener and makes economic sense.”