MSP Calls for Rebate after Chancellor's VAT Budget Decision

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to end VAT liability on Scotland’s Police and Fire Services.

It comes after pressure for the move to be made since the single force changes were implemented four years ago.

Mr Stevenson has repeatedly called for the UK Treasury to introduce VAT exemption.

In his most recent correspondence the HM Paymaster General Mel Stride MP said the Scottish Government had “understandably” decided to proceed with its restructuring plans due to the estimated financial savings.

The move by the Chancellor of the Exchequer means the two emergency services will be eligible for tax refunds in the future.

Both Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be brought into line with the rest of the UK.

And SNP MPs and MSPs are calling for a rebate on the previous four years of VAT.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“The Scottish Government has repeatedly called on the UK Government to end the huge disparity in how the VAT impacts emergency services across the UK for four years now.

“The Scottish Government should also receive a rebate on its VAT bill since 2013 which is estimated to amount now to about £140million.

“The amalgamation has protected frontlines services and helped contribute to the record low levels of crime.

“The Tories have finally caved in and decided to support the measure which we’ve called for the last four years.

“It is a disgrace it has taken so many years to do so when our fire and police services should never have had to pay the VAT costs in the first place.”