Share this page
Print this page:
Add this page to:
Green homes plan needs simple tax incentive, says FMB
04/03/10
Edited by Andy Jowett. The government's Warm Homes, Greener Homes Strategy would benefit from a "simple tax incentive" to encourage residential property owners to carrying out eco-friendly home improvements, an industry group has claimed.
Responding to the announcement of the plan to support the retrofitting of seven million homes by 2020, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) said cutting VAT on projects that improve energy efficiency and environmental performance to five per cent would attract households worried about attaching a debt to their home through pay-as-you-save (PAYS) schemes.
The FMB added that such a move would also create around 55,000 jobs, including more than 24,000 posts for builders, plumbers and other tradesmen.
Under the government's strategy, legislation will be introduced to create PAYS schemes that provide low-cost loans to home owners to cover the upfront costs of green home improvements.
It will also introduce tougher standards for workmanship and products in the eco-home market.
FMB director of external affairs Brian Berry said: "The FMB recognises the need for high standards in the retrofit market and will be working with the government to address how best these can be achieved."
