THE GGF’S IMPACT AT THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE 2011

The Glass and Glazing Federation emerged positive from meetings and discussions at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester this week with Nigel Rees, GGF Chief Executive, commenting,

“The concerns and frustrations of our members were aired in several face to face meetings with the ministers from the key government departments and backbenchers. It was very worthwhile exercise”

The GGF directly asked Government the key questions on Green Deal to ensure the industry gets equal and fair consideration to enable glass and glazing companies to grow their businesses through the Government’s flagship initiative.

Timeline of GGF meetings at the Conservative Party Conference

Monday 3^rd October

 The GGF networks with the 1922 Committee and discusses the GGF members’ issues on the Green Deal and Energy Efficient Windows including:

• The VAT on glass and glazing products and how it should be at the reduced rate of 5% to bring them in to line with most other energy efficient products.

• The Green Deal being open to businesses of all sizes, status and profile providing they meet the Government requirements.   

Tuesday 4^th October

The GGF has face to face meetings with; 

• Mark Prisk MP, Business Minister to discuss access to Green Deal for SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprises)

• Justine Greening MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury. In this meeting the issue to Cut the VAT was discussed.

• Charles Hendry MP, Minister of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change to discuss Energy Efficient Windows, the VAT on Glass and Glazing products, the Green Deal and its implementation.

• Bob Neil MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Communities and Local Government. Discussion included the Green Deal assessment with the GGF proposing local government employs Green Deal Assessors. 

• David Gauke MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury. The GGF puts forward the case for glass and glazing products to be reduced from 20% VAT rate to 5% VAT rate and thus give parity with most other energy efficient products.

Following the direct meetings with MPs, the GGF then attended briefings on;

• Infrastructure with Justine Greening MP, David Gauke MP and Philip Hammond MP, Secretary of State for Transport and Privy Counsellor.

• Local business growth with The Right Honourable Eric Pickles MP, James Morris MP and Mark Prisk MP.

• Promoting economic growth with Lord Green, David Gauke MP and The Right Honourable Chris Grayling MP, Minister of State in the Department for Work and Pensions
   
• Business in Government with The Right Honourable Francis Maude MP current Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General as and Mark Prisk MP.  

Following a day of discussions and one to one lobbying, the GGF then attended a private dinner with Greg Barker MP, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change who recently made a very positive statement about glass and glazing products saying, “replacement windows are in a very exciting place. For the first time, because of technical innovation and the increased thermal value of new glazing, and because prices are coming down, we can anticipate that we will be able to include glazing and windows.” 

Suffice to say the GGF had positive discussions with Mr Barker on how the Glass and Glazing Industry will prepare itself for Green Deal. 

Following a busy few days for the GGF, Nigel Rees summed up the GGF’s presence at the conference; 

“Everyone I spoke to saw the logic behind the Green Deal being open to all businesses regardless of size, so long as they meet the competency requirements. I was heartened that ministers and backbenchers were so receptive and I can safely say that the glass and glazing industry and its issues concerning Green Deal are very much on their agendas.”