Energy Efficiency Measures in Village Halls

by Louise Beaton, Sussex Rural Community Council, 26th March 2007

I note that the measures on energy efficiency [in the 2007 Budget] are focussed on households - we should highlight the need the help and encourage community buildings of all kinds towards energy efficiency, particularly as energy makes up such a big part of their running costs.

Also, the Climate Change Levy has been raised.  This perversely affects village halls, because it has been tied to the VAT system.  Under the VAT system village halls are classed as businesses, so a significant number end up paying CCL on their winter fuel bills, when consumption exceeds "domestic" levels, in order to provide facilities warm enough for vulnerable people to use them.  It would cost the government very little indeed (a few thousand) to specifically exempt village halls from this, but would be a huge help to the financing of those that pay it.