Listed property owners are to have a unique opportunity to shape a major campaign to change tax and planning laws at the Listed Property Show at Olympia London on 18-19 February 2017.

The Listed Property Owners’ Club (LPOC) is launching ‘Owners’ Voice’ at the Show, following the successful creation of their All-Party Parliamentary Group on Listed Properties. Those attending the Show will be able to make their case directly to the secretariat of the new APPG, describing the challenges of owning a listed home and setting out the solutions for Government.

Challenges owners face go back to 2012 when government removed the VAT concession on authorised alterations to Listed Buildings. This concession, introduced some years ago, not only assisted owners but more importantly it warned conservation officers in advance of unsuitable changes. Now there are concerns that this change plus local government red tape is increasing the amount of unauthorised work being carried out on properties that represent a major part of the nation’s heritage and creating a hidden threat to owners.

LPOC is campaigning to reduce VAT on all listed building repairs and alterations to 5%, reform outdated planning laws and achieve better consistency in planning decisions.  The Club takes calls on a daily basis from people who cannot buy or sell, or even re-finance their listed homes because of alterations made without consent. Owners could even face a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment or an unlimited fine and an enforcement notice with the purpose of reversing the effects of the unlawful works.

Until now there has been nothing to highlight these issues to Government.  However, powerful campaigning by LPOC has led to the creation of the first All-Party Parliamentary Group on Listed Properties made up of MPs who want to press the Government for tax and planning reform.  The APPG’s aim is to give a voice to the thousands of homeowners who are struggling to protect a significant part of the nation’s heritage.

The ‘Owners’ Voice’ launch is the first part of LPOC’s activity for the new APPG.  Owners’ views on the top issues facing them will be gathered at the Show and presented in a report to the official parliamentary group, which currently consists of 45 Members of Parliament.

LPOC Founder Peter Anslow said: “Building Consent can be a long, complicated process but the potential of having zero rated VAT made the process that much more bearable for owners. With that incentive lost, we are seeing a decline in listed building applications.

“The fear is that Britain’s important homes are being put unnecessarily at risk of damage from unauthorised and inappropriate work.  At the same time owners themselves are often unaware of the repercussions until it is too late.

“The Club understands these challenges and has worked hard to create a voice in Parliament for listed property owners and we are delighted the All-Party Parliamentary Group has now been established.

“Under the leadership of Craig Mackinlay who is a strong champion of listed property owners, I am confident that we can advance and make a powerful case for change to the Government.

“In February the 2017 Listed Property Show will be a unique opportunity for all those who live day-to-day with the high costs and challenges of maintaining a cherished home to express their views to the MPs who have signed up to support them.

“Over recent years more rules and regulations have increased the burden for property owners without adding to the protection to listed properties. With our newly-registered All-Party Parliamentary Group the prospects for action are really exciting.”