The UK government announced a £92m Places of Worship Renewal Fund on 22 Jan 2026, replacing the £23m Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme that had allowed churches to reclaim VAT on repairs. The new fund removes VAT relief, meaning churches will now have to pay the standard 20% VAT on repairs, with the previous scheme having capped VAT‑exempt repairs at £25,000. The move aims to align churches with other heritage assets but raises concerns about the financial burden on congregations.
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Cumbria Crack · about 15 hours ago
The UK government’s Great British Summer Savings initiative introduces a temporary VAT reduction from 20% to 5% on certain children’s meals and family-focused activities from 25 June to 1 September 2026. Businesses must identify qualifying supplies, review pricing, adjust bundled offers, and update booking and accounting systems to manage mixed VAT treatments and potential advance‑booking adjustments.
Bournemouth Echo · about 24 hours ago
HMRC has confirmed that VAT‑registered companies in Dorset can donate goods to registered charities without incurring VAT, provided the goods are used to support people in need or deliver charitable services. This removes a barrier that previously required businesses to pay VAT on donated goods. Businesses should keep accurate records of donated items, especially high‑value goods.
Marcus Ward · 5 days ago
HMRC has updated Notice 742A to clarify the treatment of opted land and buildings, including the requirement to account for output tax on assets remaining on hand at the point of VAT registration cancellation and the removal of a temporary change to the notification time limit. The notice also outlines whether optors need HMRC permission before exercising the option and how to notify HMRC of the decision.
Irish News · 7 days ago
The UK Government has announced a temporary VAT cut for Northern Ireland hospitality, reducing the rate on tickets for theme parks, zoos and museums from 20% to 5% for the summer holidays of 2026. The move is part of a broader push to align Northern Ireland’s rates with the Republic of Ireland, where food and hospitality services will fall to 9% later this year. The decision is seen as a proof point for differentiated VAT policy to support the sector.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce · 16 days ago
The UK Chancellor announced temporary VAT cuts from 20% to 5% on family attractions during school holidays, effective from the end of June to 1 September 2026. Additional measures include free bus journeys for under‑16s in England in August, a 12‑month HGV road tax holiday, and a one‑third reduction in red diesel duty until the end of 2026. Business leaders argue the cuts are insufficient to support hospitality and other sectors.
Museums Association · 16 days ago
The UK government has introduced a temporary 5% VAT rate on admission to certain family attractions, effective from 25 June to 1 September 2026, replacing the standard 20% rate. The cut covers museums, planetariums, heritage sites, nature reserves, botanical gardens, children’s meals and performance‑venue tickets marketed for children, but excludes seasonal passes beyond 1 September unless priced similarly to day tickets. Charities already exempt from VAT do not benefit unless they operate through a VAT‑registered trading subsidiary.
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Key Takeaways
The £92m Places of Worship Renewal Fund, announced on 22 Jan 2026, replaces the £23m Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.
Churches will no longer be able to reclaim VAT on repairs; they will have to pay the standard 20% VAT.
The cap was £25,000 per repair.
It had been in operation since 2001.
Primary source
Read the full article at ReutersThis summary was published on VATfaqs.com on 23 January 2026. It relates to VAT developments in United Kingdom. The original source is Reuters.
