Over the past months the Government has announced an unprecedented flurry of public spending in response to the Covid pandemic and its economic impacts. There is a great deal to break down, but there are some points which listed property owners will specifically be interested in.

The biggest news is the government’s use of a VAT as a way to support struggling sectors. Previously the Treasury were strongly against this measure, and voiced concerns about the costs involved, but the lockdown has shown that such tools can be used when the situation demands it.

The Club has argued that a VAT cut for listed building works is absolutely critical for the long-term survival of these national treasures. To see the Treasury now using these exact measures in other ways shows that our argument is very strong, and that the Government will agree to VAT relief if listed buildings are shown to be a big enough issue.