RORY HERALDS SUCCESS IN CAMPAIGN FOR AIR AMBULANCE VAT RELIEF IN TODAY’S BUDGET

Rory has today celebrated the success of the campaign, in which he has been involved to get the Treasury to waive VAT on fuel for air ambulance services. This is the result of an almost four-year campaign to recognise the incredible work that the air ambulance services and their staff provide not only in Rory’s constituency, but across Cumbria and beyond.

By recognising this in today’s Budget statement, the Chancellor has responded to the long-standing campaign. Rory has been involved in the direct lobbying of Ministers in writing and in meetings, numerous meetings with volunteers and executives of the air ambulance services, and the raising of the issue in Parliamentary debates and in written questions. In 2012 Rory pressed a parliamentary motion with colleagues calling for national recognition of our air ambulances and a rebate on VAT on fuel.  The government did not challenge the motion. Instead, it undertook to review the policy and consider a rebate on VAT, culminating in today’s announcement.

Rory Stewart MP said: “This is incredible news, which will make a significant difference to the running of air ambulance operations across the country. We often underestimate the enormously important work that our air ambulances do, and the funding difficulties they face in running operations that make such a difference to we who live here and those who visit our beautiful county. I couldn’t be more pleased that our campaigning and lobbying of the Treasury and other Ministers has paid off in this way, and as ever I congratulate our air ambulances on the fantastic work they do, which is so appreciated.”