Budget 2015: George Osborne urged to 'boost glass and glazing industry'

In his letter to the Chancellor, Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive, referenced the importance of energy efficient windows for homeowners and growth in both local and national economies.

He also highlighted how the 20% rate of VAT has created an uneven and unfair playing field that energy efficient installation companies and homeowners face when installing energy efficient glazing.

Mr Rees wrote: “Like most other energy efficient products, windows and doors that have been specifically designed to save energy should receive the lower 5% rate of VAT that applies to other energy efficient products.

“There are significant long term benefits if the VAT rate on energy efficient glazing is reduced from the current rate of 20% to a rate of 5%.

“This inequality is both a disincentive for homeowners to install energy efficient glazing and also a trading disadvantage for glass and glazing companies.

“Once again, we urge the Treasury to seriously look at the possibility of reducing the VAT rate to boost our industry and the economy as well as improving the UK’s housing stock over the next ten years and beyond.”

The letter also outlined the lack of incentives for homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient through schemes such as the Green Deal and ECO, with the suggestion of an incentive through a lower rate or refund in council tax.