HeatingandVentilating.net is backing a campaign spearheaded by Rok's chief executive Garvis Snook who has set up a Downing Street e-petition calling on the UK government to cut VAT on repair work to 5%



At a time when the UK needs four times the number of new housing units than are actually being built every year, the Repair Britain campaign is urging the government to pay closer attention to the buildings that already exist for new homes. Rok's chief executive Garvis Snook says refurbishment projects create many more jobs than new build schemes, require skilled tradesmen and are more sustainable. In the current financial climate, all businesses need to invest in repairing and maintaining existing properties, particularly as far fewer new properties are being developed.

However, while building new properties is exempt from VAT, the standard rate of 15% VAT is payable on building repair and maintenance. A reduction of VAT to 5% would encourage individuals and businesses to maintain and improve their existing properties and by increasing the amount of maintenance repair work undertaken, this will help keep the UK's skilled workers in work. A cut in VAT for home maintenance would encourage people to undertake energy efficient improvements and help the government meet its carbon reduction targets.



You might also like to sign the Reheat Britain petition.

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