Calls to cut VAT on vital safety products
● A RUNCORN MP is one of the key people behind a high-profile campaign proposing abolishing VAT on all safety products and services that go into UK homes.
The Government is being urged to scrap the 20% tax on a range of products including fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, gas safety checks, fire doors and fire extinguishers.
A launch event took place in Westminster last month, which included an online petition to have the issue debated in Parliament.
The Axe Safety Tax campaign is backed by a number of MPs including Mike Amesbury of the Weaver Vale constituency and member of the Communities And Local Government Select Committee.
He said: “Safety is rightly at the top of the political agenda.
“It is ridiculous that tax is charged on safety products and services.
“Removing the VAT will make them more affordable and save more lives. It’s the right thing to do.”
Mr Amesbury chaired a round table discussion to launch the campaign attended by MPs, chief executives of housing associations along with Mike Cunningham, deputy director for VAT & Excise.
Among celebrities backing the campaign are former England footballers Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler, the musician Midge Ure and TV celebrity Paddy McGuinness.
Liverpool-based gas safety technology company Gas Tag is behind the initiative.
The company’s finance director George Dutton said: “At a time when safety is in the spotlight, raising money in taxation from making homes safer is shameful and not a reflection of the compassionate society in which we live.”
Several housing associations are also backing the campaign. The VAT raised annually on safety products and inspections across the social housing sector is in excess of £200m.
Emma Dent Coad, the MP for Kensington, whose constituency includes Grenfell Tower, said: “It is a total disgrace that safety products are taxed as if they are luxury items.
“VAT must be reduced so everyone can afford to buy them and be safe in their homes. It’s a no-brainer.” ●