The 'Cut the VAT' Coalition has announced that the National Trust has become the latest organisation to join the campaign. The National Trust, which has over 3.5 million members, cares for over 300 historic houses and gardens, monuments and mills, along with over a thousand kilometres of coastline and thousands of hectares of countryside across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The 'Cut the VAT' Coalition believes that reducing VAT from 17.5% to 5% for all maintenance and home improvement work would benefit both society and business in many various ways. These include helping the Government achieve its target of cutting carbon emissions by 80% by 2050; getting rid of rogue traders; helping those who cannot afford vital repairs to their homes; bringing our empty properties back into use; protecting the countryside; stopping the destruction of decent existing buildings and helping to preserve our national heritage.

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Tony Burton, Director of Strategy and External Affairs at the National Trust said: "The National Trust is pleased to support the campaign. VAT is a significant burden to those who own and care for historic buildings which are of value to us all. This reduction in costs will go a long way towards helping maintain the historic built environment and the benefits it brings.

He continued: "At a time of 'credit crunch', and with an urgency to respond to the challenges of climate change, we need to be able to use and re-use existing buildings in a cost-effective and environmentally efficient way. We estimate, for example, that with this VAT reduction some £1 million can go back into Trust projects for caring for the nation's historic environment for the benefit of everyone."

Richard Hyslop, Cut the VAT Coalition Coordinator, said: "There are so many people and environments that would benefit from the cut in VAT. We are therefore delighted that the National Trust, with its many different properties, has decided to become a member and will help to boost the work of the 'Cut the VAT' Coalition."

(CD/JM)