Handyman Courses Related News
Insulate your home , owners urged »
Handymen and tradesmen could find a boost in insulation installation work following a recommendation by the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC).
Insulation improves a home without breaking the bank »
By Brian de Selby
Homeowners trying to make savings on their energy bills should consider hiring a qualified tradesman to install loft insulation, according to the National Home Improvement Council (NHIC).
Tradesmen to the rescue at local playgroup »
By Susie Cho
A playgroup in Bicester that was facing closure has been rescued after a tradesman, a qualified plumber and others stepped in to help.
Distance Learning Trade News
VAT cut will boost repair and maintenance
The chancellor Alistair Darling is being urged by one trade body to assist handymen by cutting the VAT rate.
One of the largest trade bodies in construction and maintenance, the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) represents thousands of tradesmen and will today join other industry groups in calling for a five per cent VAT rate in the new budget.
It is hoped that the move would safeguard hundreds of jobs in the construction and maintenance sector, while also boosting the economy by encouraging households to carry out home improvements and repairs.
"We need real support for the construction industry to preserve jobs and continue to invest in the infrastructure of the UK," commented Paul Marsden, chief executive of the PDA.
Previously the government has been unable to get European ministers to agree to a rate cut, but a recent vote removed the obstacles to reducing VAT on repair and maintenance work.
The construction and refurbishment sector is in dire need of a boost, following a forecasted 12 per cent drop in output for the coming year.
