VAT cut 'could lead to increase in green home improvements'

Cutting the level of VAT charged on home improvements could lead to increased activity in the sector.

John McKinney, Scottish secretary of the National Specialist Contractors' Council, stated that the construction industry in the country would receive a boost if VAT was dropped for repair and maintenance projects.

He was speaking after a poll by Experian indicated that cutting VAT for the sector would spur more people on to commit to green home improvements.

Mr McKinney told the Green Building Press: "It would also provide a huge boost to professionalism in the sector by marginalising the rogue traders in Scotland who pay no VAT whatsoever and invest nothing in skills and training."

He added that encouraging householders to carry out green home improvements could also help the government to meet carbon reduction targets.

Katie McCaskey, writing for Housing Watch, stated last month that green home improvements can offer property owners "tremendous value", adding that house buyers are more likely to be attracted to an energy-efficient house.

Posted by Ellen Campbell

Date : 08/06/2010
Category: Flooring home improvement news