§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what recent representations he has received asking him to reduce VAT on home improvements; and if he will make a statement; [126247]
(2) what recent discussions he has had with (a) other government departments, (b) housing bodies and (c) other interested bodies on VAT on home improvements for poor housing; and if he will make a statement; [126248]
(3) what recent representations he has received on improving poor housing stock and tackling problems of empty homes through financial grants; and if he will make a statement. [126249]
§ John HealeyThe Government have already taken targeted and efficient action through the tax system and through public spending to support the regeneration of the UK's existing housing stock, including the introduction of reduced VAT rates on the renovation of empty properties and the £500 million housing market renewal fund for Pathfinder areas.
The Government continues to receive representations from a wide range of interested bodies seeking additional reduced rates of VAT or additional grant 103W funding to assist further in the renewal of the UK's housing stock and discussions take place on a regular basis where necessary to explore these proposals in more detail.
The Government will consider all representations for new reduced rates in the context of the European Commission's upcoming review of the reduced rates provisions in the EC Sixth VAT Directive, and will consider all representations for increases in public spending in the context of the next Spending Review.