I spoke in Parliament, raising the current situation facing the congregation at Holy Trinity Clapham. Historic churches like Holy Trinity Clapham are facing unexpected costs because of the new cap on VAT relief for the Listed Places of Worship grant scheme, threatening to derail important renovation works. It now faces the prospect of an extra £1 million project in expenditure threatening its current project.

The church entered into a number of contracts on the basis it would be able to recoup most of the VAT on the £6 million project it is currently undertaking and under the assumption that the scheme would continue. In this debate, I highlighted the brilliant community work the church is doing and called on the government to honour VAT exemptions for faith buildings where renovation projects have already been signed off and works begun.