Halifax contractor DLE Construction wants local businesses to support the Federation of Master Builders' (FMB) call on the Government to cut VAT on home repair, maintenance and improvement work.

David Ellis from DLE Construction met with local MP Linda Riordan to ask for her support for the cut, which would create more jobs and help eliminate cowboy builders.

Mr Ellis explained: "Since the recession hit things have been a lot harder and small construction companies like ours have had to cope with falling demand and greater instability. The recent 20% VAT rise has had a major impact by driving customers towards inefficient builders. The North West of the country has seen a severe shortage of construction work. The FMB has been calling for a cut in VAT to 5% on all home repair, maintenance and improvement work for a long time. They have even commissioned research that shows 34,500 construction jobs would be created in the UK by 2019, and even more in the wider economy."

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Halifax MP Linda Riordan said: "This campaign has my full support. Dozens of small and medium sized businesses in Halifax and Calderdale would benefit considerably from a VAT cut on home repair, maintenance and improvement work. It would create jobs, allow businesses to flourish and boost the local economy. The Government should get on and do it as a matter of urgency."

(CD)