VAT ON REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE TO EXISTING BUILDINGS

Early day motion 669, tabled 9 January 2008 by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 104 members.

That this House supports calls from the Federation of Master Builders for a reduction in the rate of value added tax (VAT) from 17.5 per cent. to five per cent. on building repair and improvement work to existing buildings; believes that reducing VAT on repairs and maintenance to existing buildings would benefit millions of UK home owners by getting rid of rogue builders, helping those who cannot afford vital repairs to their homes, bringing empty homes back into use, and protecting the countryside and UK heritage; considers that reducing VAT in this area would also make it easier for home owners to make energy efficient repairs and improvements to their properties, thus helping to make the UK's existing building stock greener and more energy efficient; and notes that, with buildings responsible for 40 per cent. of the UK's total carbon emissions, this measure would go some way in helping the Government to meet its target of a 60 per cent. reduction in UK carbon emissions by 2050.

Signatures by party: Labour 47, Liberal Democrat 29, Conservative 16, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Independent 2, DUP 1.