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Scotland calls for cut in VAT on home improvements

Thursday, 10 November 2011 12:25 PM

The Scottish government is calling on the UK administration to slash VAT on repairs, renovations and home improvements to five per cent.

Scottish culture secretary Fiona Hyslop says the cut from 20 per cent for work on existing buildings would give a huge stimulus to the building industry as well as help to protect the nation's historic buildings.

The Scottish parliament is debating a motion later that focuses on regenerating communities and developing skills through work on existing buildings but the cut would also make repairs and improvements cheaper for all home owners.

Ms Hyslop said the cut would make it easier to re-use existing buildings with restoration that was more sustainable and viable than demolition and provided more employment. Refurbishment of existing buildings would act as a catalyst for wider regeneration and help foster traditional building skills.

She said: "Such a move would also encourage owners and communities to invest in homes and neighbourhoods across the country, and provide added stimulus to the hugely important construction industry, one of the strongest sectors in Scotland today.

"Whether old or new, well-designed places and buildings should be seen as an investment that adds value."

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