Sunderland Branch invited local MP Julie Elliott to their meeting in September to ask for her support with the Cut the VAT Campaign. Julie agreed to write to the Chancellor, George Osbourne, in support of cutting the VAT to five percent for home repair, maintenance and improvement.
Also discussed were the issues surrounding the release of land for self builds, Julie was very knowledgeable on the difficult issues faced in today’s construction industry and stated that the forthcoming National Planning Policy Framework will have its advantages and disadvantages. Branch President, John Stobbs, stated that the local planning authorities need to assess the demand for self build in their areas and to consider how any need and demand can be best accommodated
