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News Release from: Federation of Master Builders (FMB) | Subject: Cut fuel poverty
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 13 December 2007
Cut fuel poverty demands the FMB
Current high rate of VAT on building repair work prevents people, particularly those on low-incomes, from maintaining their homes, says Federation of Master Builders.
With nearly a quarter of all Scottish households now experiencing fuel poverty the Government needs to act promptly and cut VAT on all home improvements from 17.5 % to 5% This cut would enable thousands of families to upgrade their homes to make them more energy efficient
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 27 Jun 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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The growing problem of fuel poverty is highlighted in the latest Scottish House Condition Survey which reveals that fuel poverty, defined as a household spending more than 10% of its income on heating, rose from 18% of households in 2004/2005 to 23% of households in 2005/2006.
Grahame Barn, Director of FMB Scotland said, "While the Communities Minister, Stuart Maxwell, calls for meetings with Holyrood, Westminster and the energy companies we want practical action now".
"The truth is that current high rate of VAT on building repair work prevents people, particularly those on low-incomes, from maintaining their homes".
"In many instances, this results in people living in misery because they cannot afford to have basic repairs or central heating installed".
"What makes this worse is that these tend to be the most vulnerable people in our society, with the elderly particularly at risk".
Barn continued, "It is all very well for Stuart Maxwell to call for more meetings and discussions but the simple fact is that winter is setting in and people living in fuel poverty need action not warm words.".
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