Bishop of Chelmsford: Church tax is a kick in the teeth

THE Bishop of Chelmsford says a possible tax on churches feels like “a kick in the teeth”.

The Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell has written to the Chancellor, George Osborne, asking him to keep zero-rate VAT on alterations to listed church buildings.

As part of the Budget, the Chancellor proposed introducing VAT at 20 per cent on alterations to listed church buildings.

The Bishop said: “Listed church buildings are vital community assets, contributing a huge amount to community cohesion and development. Read more