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. whether it does not finish so,a vital resource and place of refuge will be achieve 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, or the government should consider an exemption on this occasion whether it wants to preserve this life-transforming and award-winning charity and allow it to continue its vital services.
John Bird
Most Rev Peter Smith Archbishop of Southwark
Rt Rev Alan Williams Bishop of Brentwood
Ann Widdecombe
Lyn Brown MP
Dr Muhammad Bari
Chris Patten House of Lords
George Bull
David Alton House of Lords
Edward Leigh MP
Molly Meacher House of Lords[br]Bobby Cummines
Raymond Jolliffe House of Lords
Christopher Benson
Stephen RobertsonContinue reading...
Source: theguardian.com