Ploughcroft Boss Raises Cut the VAT Campaign with MP

Online, February 28, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Yorkshire businessman Chris Hopkins has visited his MP to discuss a campaign urging the Government to cut VAT on home repair, maintenance and improvement work from 20% to 5%.

The Cut the VAT Coalition, spear-headed by the Federation of Master Builders along with 20 other organisations, says the targeted VAT cut would bring with it a huge number of economic, social and environmental benefits.

Chris, managing director of Brighouse based roofing and solar maintenance company Ploughcroft Ltd, visited Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker on Friday to discuss the issue.

Chris said: "20% VAT on top of roofing and maintenance costs can considerably increase the cost to homeowners, who are not VAT registered businesses and so can't claim the money back from the Government. The concern is that home owners may try to save money by being tempted to employ cash builders with no receipt to save paying the 20% VAT.

"5% VAT from legitimate builders is far easier to swallow and home owners would not be so tempted to risk cash builders with no guarantees.

"Mr Whittaker listened to me put the case across. I proposed to Mr Whittaker that the Government cuts the VAT to 5% on repairs and maintenance up to £2000 in value. He told me he would speak to the Chancellor, George Osborne, about the issue on behalf of legitimate builders throughout the Calder Valley."

The Cut the VAT Coalition started with 21 varied organisations. Since work began, the EU has changed the law to allow member states to permanently reduce VAT to 5% in this area in order to support economic growth. Support for the campaign now extends to over 50 organisations and countless individuals, including some very senior politicians and well-known celebrities.

The campaign calls on the UK Government to cut VAT on home improvements to 5% in
order to:

• Boost the UK economy
• Create thousands of jobs
• Bring thousands of empty properties back into use
• Improve the energy efficiency of our housing stock and reduce the incidence of fuel poverty
• Help those who cannot afford vital repairs to their homes
• Protect consumers and legitimate businesses by significantly reducing the competitive advantage of rogue traders.

It is important to know that there are a few areas of work where a VAT registered builder.

The Ploughcroft team has over 20 years building and roofing experience with the knowledge to give customers the highest quality advice and workmanship for all roofing requirements. Alongside this the team has a long history and expertise in the solar panel industry and offers a range of solar panel maintenance and cleaning packages. For more information visit www.ploughcroft.co.uk or call 01484 723344.

For more information on the Cut the VAT coalition please visit www.cutthevat.co.uk