FEDERATION OF MASTER BUILDERS

That this House notes the decision of the Ecofin Council to allow EU Member States to permanently implement a reduction in the rate of value added tax (VAT) to five per cent. on building repairs and improvement work; supports the work of the Federation of Master Builders and the Cut the VAT Coalition in consistently arguing for this change; believes that reducing VAT on repairs and maintenance to existing buildings would benefit millions of home owners by getting rid of rogue builders, helping the most vulnerable afford vital repairs to their homes and thus helping free millions from fuel poverty, bringing empty homes back into use, and protecting the countryside and heritage; further notes that more energy efficient homes would help the Government meet its target of an 80 per cent. reduction in UK carbon emissions by 2050; and calls on the Government to action a cut in VAT on building repairs and maintenance work at the earliest opportunity.