Cutting VAT to build a better Wales (Kirsty Williams AM )

Cymraeg
English

Kirsty Williams AM <info@kirstywilliams.org.uk>

Cutting VAT to build a better Wales

November 25, 2008 4:00 PM

Photo: Kirsty meets with Richard Jenkins, Wales Director and Richard Hyslop of the Federation of Master Builders

Kirsty Williams, Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the economy has called for a cut in VAT on building repairs to help kick start economic activity and assist the poorest in Wales.

With countless properties lying empty, a struggling economy and a government facing a record number of citizens in fuel poverty this winter, it is time for the Welsh Assembly Government to take action.

In a statement of opinion, Kirsty Williams AM, has backed the Federation of Master Builders in their call for a lowering of VAT on building repair and improvement work to existing buildings.

"Backbenchers from both Labour and Plaid have voiced support for lowering the VAT in this area. In both Westminster and Holyrood there is also cross party support for lowering the VAT on building repairs to 5%. I am calling on the Assembly Government to add their voice to the campaign and to apply pressure on the Labour Government in London to take action."

"In the last day we have seen Darling reduce VAT to 15%. As VAT is not payable on essentials such as food and children's clothes this measure is unlikely to benefit those struggling to make ends meet. Instead this tax cut will help big spenders.

"A much more effective option would be a VAT reduction on building work as it would make both small and large repair work more affordable for all in Wales - be it making a home more energy efficient or completely renovating a derelict property. This will not only help the most vulnerable to save money it will also help stimulate local economies.

"If these measures are supported we can make use of empty homes, help Wales to become more energy efficient and at the same time reduce the number of 'cowboy builders' by taking away their commercial advantages."

Richard Jenkins, Federation of Master Builders Wales Director, said:

"This is a great start to the new political year! I recently met with Kirsty Williams AM and I am pleased that she has grasped the importance of cutting VAT. Cutting VAT would make such a difference to so many people, not just homeowners but as Kirsty Williams rightly points out, it would also enable thousands of families to upgrade their homes to make them more energy efficient. It is great to know that members of the Welsh Assembly support the call to cut VAT, now all we need is for Westminster to act and cut the VAT."

Notes:

OPIN-2008- 0076 - VAT on Building Repair and Improvement Work to Existing Buildings

Raised By:

Kirsty Williams

Subscribers:

Leanne Wood 17/10/2008

Peter Black 21/10/2008

Trish Law 21/10/2008

Jenny Randerson 23/10/2008

Mike German 28/10/2008

Huw Lewis 28/10/2008

Mick Bates 18/11/2008

VAT on Building Repair and Improvement Work to Existing Buildings

This Assembly supports calls from the Federation of Master Builders for a reduction in the rate of value added tax (VAT) from 17.5 % to 5 % on building repair and improvement work to existing buildings;

believes cutting VAT will help bring thousands of empty homes back into use across Wales;
believes that cutting VAT would enable thousands of families to upgrade their homes to make them more energy efficient,
believes that cutting VAT will significantly reduce cowboy builders commercial advantage;
Calls on the UK Government to reduce VAT for building repairs and improvements.