Tenement flat owners in Glasgow need help with costs to make them energy efficient, MPs have said.

The seven Glasgow MPs backed a bid to have VAT scrapped on the cost of refurbishment and retrofitting to make the homes eco-friendly.

It is estimated there are almost 50,000 tenement flats in Glasgow considered to be dangerous and with a repair bill of almost £3bn.

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David Linden, SNP MP for Glasgow East, tabled the amendment to the Energy Bill in the House of Commons which he said would help with the cost and give the building trade a boost.

Glasgow Times:

The MP said a report for Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations estimated the cost of restoring the over 46,000 tenement flats across Glasgow, built pre-1919 and deemed dangerous, could hit £2.9bn

The amendment called for a zero rate of VAT to be applied to refurbishment and retrofitting.

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Linden said: “Tenements are iconic to the landscape of Glasgow and form a huge part of the housing stock in my constituency in Tollcross, Parkhead, Shettleston and Baillieston.

“However, tenement properties pose their own unique set of energy efficiency challenges which go far above and beyond simply sticking solar panels on the roof. 

“These buildings are more challenging to retrofit, which means that owners and housing associations will need an incentive.

“With the cost-of-living crisis affecting countless people across our city and the risk of fuel poverty increasing, it is vital that the UK Government steps in to support those who most need it to heat their home.

“The British Government must act with urgency so that my constituents who live in tenements do not have to decide between heating and eating this winter.”