FMB 'in talks with PM over VAT cuts'

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has said it is in talks with the prime minister over possible cuts to VAT for maintenance and renovation work.

In the pre-Budget report last week the chancellor Alistair Darling announced a temporary cut in VAT from 17.5 per cent to 15 per cent.

However, the FMB has been campaigning for repair work on homes to be lowered to five per cent.

Following the meeting, director general of the organisation Richard Diment said he was glad to have had the chance to explain the FMB's concerns, adding: "The Prime Minister also listened to the need to cut VAT on repair and maintenance work to five percent and the benefits that this will bring for home occupiers and the environment."

He added that Gordon Brown has agreed to a second meeting in the new year.

The FMB is one of a number of bodies arguing for a five per cent VAT rate on maintenance and repair work, which also includes the Empty Homes Agency, the National Home Improvement Council, the National Landlords Association and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Last month the National Trust joined the group.