National Assembly for Wales calls for reduction in VAT on building repairs

After debating the Welsh Assembly Government consultation on Sustainable Homes: A National Housing Strategy for Wales, in Plenary session on Tuesday February 10th 2009, the National Assembly for Wales passed a motion that welcomed the consultation and called ".. on the Welsh Assembly Government to make representations to the UK government to reduce the rate of VAT on building repairs and improvement work to existing buildings".

Several bodies, including the Federation of Master Builders and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, have argued that lowering the rate of VAT on repairs and improvement work would have several benefits in terms of improved housing and stimulation of the economy.