Chancellor Urged to Restore "Conservatory Tax"

The Chancellor, George Osborne, has been told to reinstate the so-called conservatory tax, with housing industry chiefs insisting the green measure is needed to improve Britain’s ageing housing stock. The duty was scrapped by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles at the end of last year. It means householders who make big home improvements, from extensions to conservatories, to make sure their property meets basic standards of energy efficiency. Now 11 of Britain’s largest building trade associations, whose hundreds of thousands of members make up the bulk of the construction industry in the UK, have written to George Osborne claiming that some sort of “conservatory” tax will be essential for making homes warmer, more energy efficient and lower carbon. The groups represented include the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the House Builders’ Federation, who members provide more than three quarters of all new homes. Their argument is that if people making large-scale home improvements, like extensions, were legally obliged to make their properties more efficient as they added to them, it would be a powerful boost to the economy, create jobs and boost competitiveness. Essentially, it would mean householders taking up the “green deal”, offered through loans repaid as small additions to fuel bills over a number of years. Long-term, the argument is that people would save money because energy efficiency would mean they used less energy. However, for its part the government has focused on deregulation as its chosen way of kick-starting the construction sector. It remains to be seen whether the Chancellor will act on the calls from the building industry. But if you want to be absolutely sure that you won’t have to be involved in the extra charges, and are keen to improve your home, it could be worth considering doing so now. Home Improvements from Bebington Glass At Bebington Glass and Glazing, we undertake a range of home improvements across the north west of England and North Wales. So we can help whether you need conservatories in Wirral, roofing in Cheshire or anything else. We also provide replacement windows energy efficient solar thermal systems and more. And we fully appreciate that home improvements are major undertakings for most people. Our company was set up some 35 years ago, in March 1978, and remains very much a family firm. And we still offer the same benefits we’ve always done: •    We directly employ all our own staff – there are no subcontractors or temporary workers •    You’ll find our friendly, committed team helpful from the first contact •    Because we don’t hire sales staff who only want their commission, you won’t feel pressurised into buying something expensive that’s not suitable for your property – we’ll help you find something that’s right for your home and your budget •    We’re thoroughly committed to quality, and doing all work to the highest standards – and carry out all work with minimal mess and disruption Whether you need double glazing in Chester or anything else, make us your first port of call.