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PBR 'will not deliver green houses'
10/12/09
Edited by Andy Jowett. Yesterday's (December 9th) pre-Budget report did not deliver the tools to meet the government's ambition improving the environmental performance and energy efficiency of the UK's 26 million homes, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has warned.
The organisation's head of external affairs Brian Berry said chancellor Alistair Darling's decision to raise VAT back to 17.5 per cent from 1st January is a "serious blow" for both builders and residential property owners wanting to deliver green houses through refurbishment work.
"Given the government's stated commitment to refurbish every single home by 2030, it is very disappointing that the Chancellor has decided to increase the VAT rate," he commented.
Nevertheless, Mr. Berry welcomed the announcement that public spending will grow by 2.2 per cent in 2010-11, as this could support thousands of jobs in the building industry.
He added every pound invested in construction generates £2.84 in economic activity and such investment could be crucial in tackling the UK's growing housing crisis.
This year, Mr. Berry said builders will deliver around 100,000 new properties against a target of 240,000.
