A massive 72 per cent of MPs support a cut in VAT from 17.5 per cent to 5 per cent for all building repair and maintenance work according to new research carried out by ComRes on behalf of the 'Cut the VAT' Coalition.
Richard Hyslop, Coalition Coordinator said, "With the vast majority of MPs supporting a cut in VAT for building repair and maintenance work and with a majority of MPs from each of the three main political parties supporting a cut in VAT, the time for excuses is over; the Government must act now and cut this pernicious tax."
Hyslop continued, "Reducing VAT on building repair and maintenance work would help end the scandal of empty homes, reduce the number of families living in substandard housing, stop the destruction of existing buildings, tackle fuel poverty and increase the number of zero-carbon homes."
Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the Federation of Master Builder concluded, "We are delighted that so many MPs support a cut in VAT for building repair and maintenance work. Cowboy builders flourish by evading VAT so reducing the rate of VAT on domestic building work to 5 per cent will significantly reduce their commercial advantage and the financial incentive to choose a rogue will diminish. In time, this will drive the rogue traders out of the market as customers focus on quality and value not just price."
20 May 2008
