MSPs call for end to defib VAT

Argyll and Bute MSP Jenni Minto has sent a cross-party letter to Chancellor Rishi Sunak urging him to ditch VAT on purchases of life-saving defibrillators.

MSPs from the SNP, Labour, Conservatives, Greens and the Lib Dems signed the letter which highlights the importance of building an effective defibrillator network across the country to ensure those who suffer from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest can receive CPR with defibrillation quickly and effectively.

Currently, charities and local authorities are able to claim a VAT exemption when purchasing a defib, but the Chancellor is being urged to extend this exemption to anyone buying the equipment.

The letter has been sent by Jenni Minto MSP, who has been leading a campaign to have the tax removed.

The Argyll and Bute MSP said: ‘I am delighted to have cross-party support for this incredibly important campaign to have VAT removed from the purchase of community defibrillators.

‘Defibs are vital and life-saving to those who suffer from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest – every minute that someone does not receive defibrillation reduces their chance of survival by 10 minutes.

‘Having an effective network of community defibrillators is essential to saving lives and making them easier to purchase for local groups and businesses is a massive step in making defibs more accessible and in more areas across the country.

‘I am delighted that the Scottish Government has already backed this campaign when Kate Forbes and Maree Todd wrote to Rishi Sunak urging him to take action.’