Another e-petition to sign, please!

[Keef]

Following the success of the air ambulance fuel VAT petition (last seen at 143,682 signatures), there's another one where Forumites support would be welcome...

Some of us live in Listed properties - usually old places of historical and architectural interest. We are required by law to keep them in good order, and they take a lot more TLC than your average modern house. Until now, most works on them were VAT-free - but the pesky coalition sneakily changed that in the last budget (not that it was announced, just snuck in).

The £100,000 that I spent last year restoring this place to its Tudor glory (more or less) would now be £120,000. I would have thought that bit harder about doing the work. The daft bit is, if I let it fall down and build a modern property elsewhere, THAT is VAT-free as a new build.

Please sign the petition:

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/32056

[Dave W]

Done

[davey]

Done

[Lowtimer]

Me too. That Captcha thing doesn't get any easier. I must be going bog-eyed.

[Bob Upmode]

Signed. The crapcha is awful, and I note that it's now not possible to view signatories.

[Propwash]

I know we need the money as a nation, but heritage is important, needs to be preserved and should be supported by tax measures rather than the reverse.

"What does it profit a man if he inherits the world and loses his soul?" etc.

Signed.

PW

[harry remmington]

Done.

[johnm]

I know we need the money as a nation, but heritage is important, needs to be preserved and should be supported by tax measures rather than the reverse.

We don't really, we need HMG to do less and mess about with things less.

[Sharpie]

Yep, signed.
Heritage is to be preserved and those with Listed buildings are in the end preserving them for the nation.

[jbrewer]

Signed

Jack

[Lindsayp]

I've signed too - our home is G2 listed also.

[Vince C]

Can I get my old Bonnie listed? And G his ancient crocks?

[Peter Pan]

Done. We have a 12th century Church here which needs a shedload of work and it is hard enough raising funds before the thieving g!ts steal the lead off the roof!

[Johnny]

Keef, I am not sure of the logic here. Surely all houses are to live in. If work is needed to fund refurbishment work then this should be reflected in the sale price. I live in an old house but don't expect someone else to pick up the cost for work that needs doing since no one else is getting a benefit. Of course there are houses with national significance, essential work is best carried out with grants on the basis of merit. Of course one should be aware of the legal consequences of buying a listed building. As you say new houses are VAT exempt but then Stamp Duty is collected.

The only relevance to the air ambulance is the petition. I can't sign the petition until someone convinces me that my logic is flawed

Just thinking aloud

[Sellbydate_Expired]

Done.
Johnny.
Just where did Keef ask you or anyone to foot his bills, all he wants is for the thieving govmint to keep out of the trough with LISTED buildings