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MPs back cut in property maintenance VAT

Friday, 23 May 2008 12:00 AM

An overwhelming majority of MPs back proposals to cut the value added tax (VAT) on building repair and maintenance work, according to new research.

Research carried out by ComRes, on behalf of the 'Cut the VAT' Coalition, finds some 72 per cent of all MPs back the proposals.

"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," said Richard Hyslop, Cut the Tax coalition coordinator.

It is thought reducing the tax will encourage property investors and developers to renovate and repair existing housing stock, rather than build, what could potentially be unnecessary, new property.

"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," continued Mr Hyslop.

According to research from the Halifax there are 300,000 empty homes in the UK - although some estimates place the figure higher still.

Commenting on the ComRes research Brian Berry, director of external affairs for the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: "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 five 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."

Chris O'Toole

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