Many important Westminster figures gathered to listen to LPOC founder Peter Anslow's presentation on listed property ownership as part of LPOC's campaign, with a number signing to join an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) after the election.
 
Rt Hon Ed Vaizey MP, a DCMS minister, arrived to meet LPOC on Tuesday 21st October and made the closing statement following Mr Anslow's presentation. Showing his appreciation, the minster expressed thanks to listed building owners for their important role in preserving heritage and acknowledged the difficult processes they face. Looking forward, Mr Vaizey assured he would do his best to help owners of listed properties in the autumn statement.
 
The event, hosted by MP for Lancaster & Fleetwood, Eric Ollerenshaw, was a great opportunity to bring key issues surrounding ownership to the attention of Parliament.
 
What is the Listed Property Owners Club campaign?
- - - - - - - -
The Listed Property Owners' Club is campaigning for increased help for owners assisted by PR firm, Maitland, to draw attention to the issues surrounding listed property ownership.
With a general election in 2015, LPOC chose to engage with Westminster to lobby government to reduce VAT for all work on listed buildings to 5%. What LPOC is seeking to sustain the pressure on Westminster is help from owners who can make a difference by taking a small step to help to give listed property owners the strong representative voice it has been lacking, and support its long term campaign.
 
LPOC asked Parliament for:
- A reduction in VAT on approved listed building alterations, repairs and maintenance to 5%
- More detailed and clearer guidance for owners on issues such as double glazing
- Better representation in Parliament
Peter Anslow said, "Over a million people call listed properties their home, yet the issue is on the fringes of political debate. For the sake of owner's livelihoods and the large cultural contribution they make, this must change. We hope you can see why it is so crucial for listed property owners to have a voice in Westminster and we hope you will sign a pledge card to support an APPG in their name."
 
The points LPOC raised received great understanding and sympathy from those attending, with many agreeing the need for change. LPOC is now positive of setting up an APPG and will build on the support gained at the event to gather further backing in the lead up to the 2015 general election, along with setting out its own manifesto.