The latest issue of Private Eye has an article questioning why the government cannot waive VAT for life-saving Mountain Rescue volunteers – when Gordon Brown can do it for Simon Cowell’s charity efforts.

Even though the voluntary rescue teams in England and Wales save the emergency services about £6m per year, they still have to pay VAT on their equipment.

The article points out that although the government says it cannot make an exception for one group, Britain's Royal National Lifeboats Institute is already exempt from VAT. Plus under the European laws, money could be given back to the teams, as happens in Scotland under devolved powers.

Now the Public Nose (knows!) that Private Eye is supportive of Mountain Rescue's quest.

Unfortunately the article is not available to read online as yet.

« Back