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Property owners should be given VAT reductions to encourage better practice
01 Feb 2012
Andrew Leech, director at the National Home Improvement Council, has suggested that reducing VAT may see an improved attitude among more property owners when it comes to energy efficiency.
According to Mr Leech, many consumers are put off installing energy efficient measures in their properties because they have to pay excessive amounts o money for it.
It may also, according to Mr Leech, help consumers turn towards more reputable tradesmen rather than so-called 'rogue traders' because they wouldn’t be tempted to take the cheaper route.
Mr Leech said: "I honestly think that it [VAT] makes [homeowners] think twice about doing energy efficient improvement to the property because they have to pay through the nose for it.
"It will also reflect on the fact that they will go for cheaper solutions to the problem of providing efficient improvements."
Recently, Brian Berry, director of external affairs at the Federation of Master Builders, said the government should take action to reduce the amount of builders who take cash in hand payments.
Posted by Judith Stevenson
