RIBA joins coalition to cut VAT

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced it is the latest organisation to join the campaign to cut VAT for maintenance and home improvement work.

According to the coalition, cutting VAT for all maintenance and home improvement work to five per cent would benefit businesses, self builders and society as a whole.

RIBA says such action will help the government achieve its target of cutting carbon emissions by 80 per cent before 2050.

It will also get rid of rogue traders and help those who cannot afford vital repairs to their homes.

Other benefits of such a move include: bringing empty properties back into use; protecting the countryside; stopping the destruction of decent existing buildings and helping to preserve Britain's national heritage, the organisation said.

The coalition is made up of 16 varied organisations, including the National Home Improvement Council, the National Trust and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.