I call on our government to Introduce legislation to protect vacant historic buildings through enforcement and financial support

After the experiences with the Raven Hotel and a few High St sites we need changes in national legislation. Please sign this petition to help get the message across that we need more support to help our buildings of heritage not just in our own area but across the country

I call on the UK Government to introduce legislation to prevent historic and listed buildings from being left vacant, neglected, or allowed to deteriorate through prolonged inaction.

The legislation should require owners of historic and listed buildings that have remained vacant and without meaningful repair or maintenance for a continuous period of four years to undertake appropriate conservation works or demonstrate genuine progress towards restoring the property. Where owners fail to act without reasonable justification, the Government should introduce stronger enforcement powers to ensure these nationally important assets are protected.

Alongside these measures, the Government should provide practical support to enable restoration by:

Introducing VAT relief on approved repairs and maintenance of listed and historic buildings.
Expanding grant funding for the repair, conservation, and sustainable reuse of heritage assets.
Introducing business rates relief for historic buildings undergoing approved conservation and restoration works.
Encouraging the reuse of vacant heritage buildings for housing, community facilities, and business purposes where appropriate.
The legislation should include safeguards for owners facing exceptional circumstances or who can demonstrate genuine progress towards restoration.

Historic buildings are an irreplaceable part of our national heritage. Every year, more are lost through neglect rather than natural ageing. While enforcement is essential where owners fail to act, Government should also remove financial barriers that discourage conservation. Providing tax incentives, grant funding, and business rates relief alongside stronger legal protections will help preserve our heritage, support local economies, regenerate town centres, and ensure these important buildings can be enjoyed by future generations.