Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure prompt repayment of VAT to small building contractors where zero-rated supplies are made in connection with constructing new housing; and whether they will ensure that HMRC adheres to the 30 day target for refunds unless it has first provided compelling reasons for not doing so.

On receipt of a VAT claim return, HMRC will issue an automated refund within 6 working days for the vast majority of customers, including most small business contractors.

Where there is an exception to this automated process and the customer has provided all the required information, HMRC will strive to adhere to the 30 day turnaround. Current performance level is over 95% of refunds issued within 30 days.