Homelessness charity needs VAT exemption for its building development
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Version 0 of 1. The government should urgently consider reversing a decision to apply VAT to Caritas Anchor House’s building development for accommodation for homeless people in east London. If it does not do so, a vital resource and place of refuge will be put at risk. This would be a tragedy for all the people this facility has supported, is supporting and would support in the future. It could deprive the local community of a hub which provides education and help with personal rehabilitation. Loss of such facilities will place intolerable pressure on local and national government services that will ultimately incur greater cost than the VAT HMRC is seeking to claim. This situation has arisen from Caritas Anchor House’s desire to support more homeless people. Such commitment should be welcomed, and the government should consider an exemption on this occasion if it wants to preserve this life-transforming and award-winning charity and allow it to continue its vital services.John BirdMost Rev Peter Smith Archbishop of SouthwarkRt Rev Alan Williams Bishop of BrentwoodAnn WiddecombeLyn Brown MPDr Muhammad BariChris Patten House of LordsGeorge BullDavid Alton House of LordsEdward Leigh MPMolly Meacher House of LordsBobby CumminesRaymond Jolliffe House of LordsChristopher BensonStephen Robertson |