Writer unaware of the facts

Sir, – Graeme Finnie denies that the Tories had anything to do with “the scrapping of VAT on the Scottish Police and Fire Service” in the budget but claims it was because of SNP pressure (Letters, November 24).

Mr Finnie may not be aware of the actual facts or perhaps chooses to ignore them since it shows up the SNP’s lack of understanding.

The SNP-dominated Scottish Government made the decision to make Scotland’s police and fire services national rather than leave them as regional bodies which were able to reclaim VAT.

Alex Salmond was told on numerous occasions in 2012, by both Westminster and HM Revenue & Customs, that these services would then become ineligible for VAT refunds but the SNP hatred of Westminster and “we know better” attitude saw them press on regardless.

The change in the law from April 6 2018 means that these services will be able to claim back VAT from that date but not the £185 million already lost.

A fine mess you got us into, Alex. Clark Cross. 138 Springfield Road, Linlithgow. recruit appropriate traders.

Also, no doubt Edinburgh Zoo would be prepared to lend out their panda if it would be seen as adding verisimilitude to such an event. John Eoin Douglas. 7 Spey Terrace, Edinburgh.

The SNP-dominated Scottish Government made the decision to make Scotland’s police and fire services national rather than leave them as regional bodies which were able to reclaim VAT