HC Deb 27 July 1999 vol 336 cc388-9W
Ms Oona King

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to implement the recommendation of the urban Task Force to harmonise VAT rates at(a) zero and (b) 5 per cent. for new building and conversions and refurbishments; and if he will make a statement. [93301]

Dawn Primarolo

EC agreements mean that we cannot introduce any new zero rates or a reduced rate for work to existing buildings.

The Government share the urban Task Force's desire for an urban renaissance and is giving careful consideration to the report's recommendations. We will give our detailed response to the report in the forthcoming Urban White Paper.

Forward to