Pro Installer March 2015 - Issue 24 | Page 6

6 MARCH 2015 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk “BOOST OUR INDUSTRY” Ahead of this month’s Budget, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has written to the Chancellor, George Osborne MP to outline GGF Members’ concerns on several issues that are affecting the Glass and Glazing industry. In his letter to the Chancellor at the end of February, Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive, referenced the importance of energy efficient windows for homeowners and growth in both local and national economies. The GGF highlighted how the 20% rate of VAT has created an uneven and un fair playing field that energy efficient installation companies and homeowners face when installing energy efficient glazing. Nigel Rees commented: “Like most other energy efficient products, windows and doors that have been specifically designed to save energy should receive ‘lack of incentives for homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient’ the lower 5% rate of VAT that applies to other energy efficient products. There are significant long term benefits if the VAT rate on energy efficient glazing is reduced from the current rate of 20% to a rate of 5%. This inequality is both a disincentive for homeowners to install energy efficient glazing and also a trading disadvantage for glass and glazing companies. Once again, we urge the Treasury to seriously look at the possibility of reducing the VAT rate to boost our industry and the economy as well as improving the UK’s housing stock over the next ten years and beyond.” Pick up the PRO Installer, FREE, from one of over 600 trade counters. Also in the letter the GGF outlines the lack of incentives for homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient through schemes such as the Green Deal and ECO, with the suggestion of an incentive through a lower rate or refund in council tax. Chancellor George Osborne will announce the Government’s Budget 2015 on Wednesday 18th March 2015. ADF PLASTICS LTD RDER BY 8PM GET IT NEXT DAY UK’s Biggest Range FREE Delivery over £45* Minimum 5 Year Guarantee FREE Returns CALL TOD FOR YO AY UR CATALO FREE GUE FULL RANGE AVAILABLE ONLINE Download our FREE App! Facebook.com/IronmongeryDirect Twitter.com/ironmngrydirect Text: ZY 8822Z to 80800 (add your FREE! name, ad and emai dress l). CALL 7am-8pm 7 days a week 0808 168 28 28 ONLINE Shop 24/7! IronmongeryDirect.com *Ex VAT