Press Coverage
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Date: 31 January 2011
Type: Newspaper Publication / Broadcaster: The Westmorland Gazette Cumbrian MPs fighting for mountain rescue VAT refund
AN ALL-PARTY group of Cumbrian MPs is stepping up the fight to get VAT refunded to mountain rescue teams. The group is pressing Treasury ministers to agree an annual donation of around £200,000 a year to teams in England and Wales in lieu of VAT paid on specialist vehicles, clothing and equipment. Currently, only medical equipment and rescue vehicles adapted as ambulances are exempt from VAT. European Union rules limit where exemptions can be applied, but would not stop the Government returning the VAT collected in the form of a grant. The two-and-a-half per cent tax rise earlier this month and higher fuel duty means more donated money is going into the Government’s coffers rather than being used to fund rescues. Mountain rescue costs are also rising because of record numbers of call outs. Mr Stewart said getting a VAT donation was just one of the isses being looked at by the group. “We are also looking at MRTs co-operating more strategically with the other emergency services, which could, for example, lead to help with equipment. “We are deeply proud of mountain rescue and its dedication and commitment. This was shown throughout the winter and demonstrated in the floods. “They represent voluntary service at its very best. I am delighted that in this, as in so many things, Cumbrians are taking the lead in Parliament.” The Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association said rescuers reponded to 564 calls in 2010 - up from 532 in 2009, itself a record. |
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