BUILDING firms in Kirklees have been urged to back calls for the Government to cut VAT on home repair, maintenance and improvement work.
The Federation of Master Builders said the move would create more jobs and help eliminate cowboy builders.
The campaign is being spearheaded in Kirklees and Calderdale by David Ellis, of Halifax-based contractor DLE Construction, who has asked local MP Linda Riordan to raise the issue at Westminster.
He said: “Since the recession hit things have been a lot harder and small construction companies like ours have had to cope with falling demand and greater instability.
“The recent 20% VAT rise has had a major impact by driving customers towards inefficient builders.
“The FMB has been calling for a cut in VAT to 5% on all home repair, maintenance and improvement work for a long time. They have even commissioned research that shows 34,500 construction jobs would be created in the UK by 2019 and even more in the wider economy.”
Said Mr Ellis: “We are pleased to have the support of our local MP and we want others to follow.”
Said the MP: “This campaign has my full support.”
She added: “The last thing the business community wanted was this regressive VAT increase.
“Companies like DLE Construction are an essential part of the local economy. They need every possible incentive to flourish and help lead us out of recession. Reducing the VAT levels is the one cut this Government should be making and helping to kick-start the recovery.”
