Wasn't one of Gordon's first actions to reduce it from 17.% to
5%?

On insulation?

No, on fuel. It couldn't be reduced any further, as although the EU allows
VAT exemptions on existing products, apparently you aren't allowed to remove
VAT from something that is already charged.

The reduction on fuel was a retrograde step, taken because lots of old
grannies complained. They'd have been better to implement the winter fuel
allowance instead. AIUI, the winter fuel allowance is greater than my entire
annual gas bill.

Christian.