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Building Trade Associations and Institutes
News Release from: Scottish Building Federation | Subject: Latest figures from Consumer Direct Scotland
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 April 2008
Building work complaints increase by 25%
Scottish Building Federation review the alarming 25% increase in complaints against builders, plumbers, electricians and other home improvement traders.
Latest figures from Consumer Direct Scotland (CDS) reveal building work complaints totalled GBP1.8 million alone Beyond the normal advice for homeowners to try and avoid these problems, such as finding a tradesmen through recommendation or through trade associations approved by the Construction Licensing Executive, the biggest attack on the 'cowboy' builder is a simple action that can be taken by the UK Government through reducing VAT on home improvements
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 1 Sep 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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A reduction in VAT on domestic repair, maintenance and improvement work to 5% will have a significant benefit to the consumer, including reducing the ability of the 'cowboy' builder to undercut reputable, legal builders, who will be able to compete on a more even playing field.
This position is reinforced by recent surveys which suggest that up to 50% of consumers are likely to ask their builders for a "VAT off for cash" deal, and the only way to reduce this is to reduce the rate of VAT itself.
The benefit of slashing VAT is backed up by studies in France, the Netherlands and Isle of Man which demonstrate a reduction in rogue trader activity through a reduction in VAT, with any such reduction passed onto the customer, making more money available for home improvements.
The issue of 'cowboy' traders is an important issue which touches upon the life of everyone in the country, and a cut in VAT is a key step in the elimination of these traders and the misery they cause.
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