HL Deb 20 October 1998 vol 593 c143WA
Viscount Brentford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are considering reducing the 17.5 per cent. VAT currently placed upon the refurbishment or conversion of homes which have been empty for long periods. [HL3372]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

The Government's aim is that within 10 years 60 per cent. of new housing, including conversions, will be built on previously developed sites. Although land use planning is, and will remain, the main instrument of achieving this objective, the Government will also be considering a wide range of economic instruments which could play a complementary part in achieving housing policy aims.