Friday 4th March 2011 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Halifax contractor DLE Construction wants local businesses to support the Federation of Master Builders’ (FMB) call on the Government to cut VAT on home repair, maintenance and improvement work. David Ellis from DLE Construction met with local MP Linda Riordan to ask for her support for the cut, which would create more jobs and help eliminate cowboy builders.
David explained:
“Since the recession hit things have been a lot harder and small construction companies like ours have had to cope with falling demand and greater instability. The recent 20% VAT rise has had a major impact by driving customers towards inefficient builders. The North West of the country has seen a severe shortage of construction work. The FMB has been calling for a cut in VAT to 5% on all home repair, maintenance and improvement work for a long time. They have even commissioned research that shows 34,500 construction jobs would be created in the UK by 2019, and even more in the wider economy.”
David continued:
“We are pleased to have the support of our local MP and we want others to follow. We hope Linda can help us persuade the Government to recognise the important contribution construction makes to the economy, and to help struggling businesses in Halifax and elsewhere. There are so many benefits from this specific VAT cut, including more protection for homeowners.”
Halifax MP Linda Riordan said:
“This campaign has my full support. Dozens of small and medium sized businesses in Halifax and Calderdale would benefit considerably from a VAT cut on home repair, maintenance and improvement work. It would create jobs, allow businesses to flourish and boost the local economy. The Government should get on and do it as a matter of urgency.”
Linda continued:
“It is vital in the current economic climate that everything possible is done to help businesses in Halifax and Calderdale. The last thing the business community wanted was this regressive VAT increase. Companies like DLE Construction are an essential part of the local economy. They need every possible incentive to flourish and help lead us out of recession. Reducing the VAT levels is the one cut this Government should be making and helping to kick-start the recovery. I will be pressing the Government to take action and give a much need boost to businesses.”
