Home improvement tax cut urged

A cross-party group of MPs has urged the government to cut VAT on home improvements and DIY work.

The group, from the three main political parties has supported a call made by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) for such work to be made cheaper for householders, the trade body has stated.

Four MPs, consisting of Liberal Democrats Andrew George and Bob Russell, plus Labour's Bill Olner and Conservative Brian Binley signed an early day motion arguing that the level of VAT on such work should be cut from 17.5 per cent to five per cent.

FMB director of external affairs Brian Berry said the organisation was "delighted" by the move.

He added: "Cutting VAT would enable thousands of families to upgrade their homes to make them more energy efficient and enjoy a warmer winter."

Improvements to a home which can promote energy efficiency include fitting cavity wall insulation.

This can save £90 a year on the average family home's fuel bills, National Insulation Association chief executive Neil Marshall has said.


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