HERIAN News

An interim grant scheme operated by the Department for, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for the whole of the UK.

You may know that the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the March 2005 Budget that charities - and faith groups that are exempted from registering as charities – may reclaim VAT incurred on eligible construction, renovation and maintenance of public memorials since 16 March 2005. The Memorials Grant Scheme has been set up to return, in grant aid, the amount of VAT incurred on the construction, renovation and maintenance of eligible memorials to these eligible groups. Since March 2006, the VAT incurred on professional fees associated with eligible construction or repair work has also been covered by the scheme. The scheme is currently due to continue until 2011. Further details can be found via www.memorialgrant.org.uk or by telephoning 0845 6006430.

We understand that there have as yet been no applications to the scheme from Wales and I would encourage you to make an application if you are an eligible organisation or to let any eligible groups of which you are aware know of the benefits of the scheme.

As far as Cadw is concerned, we are able to fund the repair and restoration of memorials, provided that the memorial in question meets the grant eligibility criteria, i.e. the memorial must be judged to be of outstanding architectural or historic interest or works to it must significantly enhance the conservation area in which it is located. In addition, some works to memorials might be eligible for grant under Cadw's Civic Initiatives grants scheme, a small grants scheme which offers a maximum of £5,000 per project for schemes which promote an understanding and appreciation of the built heritage. Please see www.cadw.wales.gov.uk for further details, or contact the historic buildings grants team on 01443 336000.

Finally, in the case of war memorials, grants may be available from the War Memorials Trust (www.warmemorials.org) which also provides advice on appropriate methods of conservation and repair.