It must have been almost 10 years ago that the Bathroom Manufacturers Association last threw its weight behind a campaign to reduce the VAT charged on home repairs and maintenance (correct me if I’m wrong!) and while I’m pleased that it’s once again on this particular hobby horse, I’m disappointed that the Government didn’t take note the last time. I can’t help wondering whether we might not have lost so many shops had the general public been encouraged to spend on home improvements by not having to pay so much VAT…

I’m 100% behind the call to reduce the tax from 20% to 5% as it offers so many benefits. It will stimulate economic growth, create thousands of jobs, improve our housing stock and create more homes, encourage spending on energy-efficient home improvements which will reduce the damage we’re doing to the planet and it will also dramatically reduce the competitive advantage many ‘cowboy’ builders now enjoy.

More consumer spending in these areas will release budget for research into more energy-efficient products; research which may not currently be affordable for some manufacturers. Newly-developed products are likely to be more energy-efficient and water-saving too. What’s not to like about that?

The creation of more jobs means that there will be more taxpayers and surely at some stage a tipping point is likely to be reached, whereby a cut in VAT will actually increase Government revenue. Add to that the advantages better products will have on the environment and it’s a no brainer, don’t you think?

It must have been almost 10 years ago that the Bathroom Manufacturers Association last threw its weight behind a campaign to reduce the VAT charged on home repairs and maintenance (correct me if I’m wrong!) and while I’m pleased that it’s once again on this particular hobby horse, I’m disappointed that the Government didn’t take note the last time. I can’t help wondering whether we might not have lost so many shops had the general public been encouraged to spend on home improvements by not having to pay so much VAT…

I’m 100% behind the call to reduce the tax from 20% to 5% as it offers so many benefits. It will stimulate economic growth, create thousands of jobs, improve our housing stock and create more homes, encourage spending on energy-efficient home improvements which will reduce the damage we’re doing to the planet and it will also dramatically reduce the competitive advantage many ‘cowboy’ builders now enjoy.

More consumer spending in these areas will release budget for research into more energy-efficient products; research which may not currently be affordable for some manufacturers. Newly-developed products are likely to be more energy-efficient and water-saving too. What’s not to like about that?

The creation of more jobs means that there will be more taxpayers and surely at some stage a tipping point is likely to be reached, whereby a cut in VAT will actually increase Government revenue. Add to that the advantages better products will have on the environment and it’s a no brainer, don’t you think?

Yours,

Jan Hobbs