Cowboy Builders

Sir,

Re. Stopping Cowboy Builders & Rogue Traders (Glazine News, 20th May) - would not Garath Thomas have been better addressing MPs on a reduction in vat on energy rated windows and home improvements rather than yet another scheme which increases our overheads.

I feel sure many in our industry would agree that reducing vat would help established business to compete in price with the cowboys. as price is the main reason they exist. A reduction in vat to 5% on the Isle of Man in 2006 is reported to have driven out cowboy outfits and increased the number of small businesses registering for vat thereby offsetting losses to the treasury.

Tony Eaves, Managing Director,
Niagara Windows & Doors Ltd, Worcester.