Archives for September 2014

The GGF will yet again be in attendance at the political party conferences this Autumn to raise Members concerns across a range of political campaigns including:

• Reducing the rate of VAT on home improvements and energy efficient glazing

The GGF has long argued for a reduced rate of VAT for energy efficient windows and doors, from the current 20% rate to a 5% rate – to bring energy efficient glazing into parity with other energy saving products. In addition, the GGF supports the wider campaign to cut the VAT on home improvement, repair and maintenance work from a rate of 20% to a rate of 5%.

• Consumer Bill of Rights  

The GGF have been raising awareness of potential problems over the current wording of some parts of the Bill, to avoid confusion for consumers and to protect businesses from potential “rogue consumers”. 

• Manifesto for Barriers Containing Glass to Resist and Contain Fire and Smoke

The GGF’s ongoing campaign to urge all those involved in fire safety (including regulation, design, installation etc.) to advocate an integrated approach to fire safety. 

• Addressing the impact of the change of ownership of private sewers

A significant number of GGF Members who manufacture, supply and install conservatories have found that homeowners wishing to build conservatories on their properties are being hampered as a result of the change of ownership of private sewers.  The GGF has developed industry guidance which outlines best practice for installing conservatories or extensions in cases where building work may go near to a sewer.  Given the absence of a water companies’ code of conduct, the GGF is campaigning for this guidance to be adopted by the water companies, in order to provide clarity for consumers who wish to extend their homes.  

• Incentivising the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation

The GGF’s key focus is on improving the energy efficiency of households and commercial premises. Since 2011, the Federation has been lobbying all of the main political parties to provide evidence and advice on how to better incentivise the schemes to boost the energy efficiency of the UK’s building stock. 

Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented, “We have a full on itinerary at the Party Conferences with face to face meetings with MPs and MEPs responsible for energy, employment, local government and planning, skills, treasury and tax. We look forward to attending various events and sessions to raise and discuss our concerns to Ministers and policy makers. With 2015 being an election year and with a great degree of uncertainty around the outcome, it is important we reach as many key influencers as possible.”

Party Conference Dates and Venues:

• The Labour Party Conference, 21^st-24^th September, Manchester
• The Conservative Party Conference, 28^th September to 1^st October, Birmingham
• The Liberal Democrat Party Conference, 4^th – 8^th October Glasgow

As well as Senior GGF staff attending, the GGF’s political advisers and public affairs firm GK Strategy will also have representation at all three party conferences on the Federation’s behalf. GK Strategy are in the line-up of guest speakers for GGF Members’ Day (30^th September) where they will present an update of all the GGF’s political campaigns.