B

Baroness Twycross (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 12 January 2026

Debate

Heritage Craft and Building Sector

Contribution

I am very aware, as the noble Lord clearly is, of the shortage of specialist thatchers. Since I have been in this role, I have learned a huge amount about the different types of techniques that are used around the country. This is one of the issues we have been talking about with the sector. I point to the work of museums such as the Weald & Downland Living Museum in this area, as well as other organisations. On VAT, noble Lords will be aware that that is a matter for the Treasury. However, I ask the noble Lord to note that a blanket VAT cut for all historic building repairs would be a significant fiscal intervention and potentially subsidise repairs that might have happened anyway. In a tight fiscal climate, it is arguably better value for money to direct taxpayers’ money into targeted funds such as the heritage at risk grants or the Heritage Revival Fund, where we can ensure that every pound delivers genuine public benefit and regeneration rather than a broad tax relief.

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