First the "pasty tax" now church bells toll challenge for George Osborne There are only two foundries still striking new church bells in England. The industry, thought to be worth around £3 million a year, depends heavily on the Church. Yesterday the Church launched an e-petition on the Downing Street website urging Mr Osborne to reconsider. The National Secular Society has accused the Church of seeking a special tax exemption. Kate Flavell, president of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers, said the plans were worrying. "Bell ringing is such an English thing," she said. When bells have been silent for a while and then restored and repaired and start ringing again it really brings people in towns and villages together. Quite often there is a huge celebration.