Give the VAT back to mountain rescue teams – Lib Dems
December 13, 2010 9:56 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Highland Lib Dem Scottish Parliament candidate Alan MacRae is pressing the UK Government to take action to hand back the VAT paid each year by Mountain Rescue Teams across the country.
As the workload of teams in the Highlands increases amidst the severe wintry weather, Mr MacRae wants an end to the long-standing anomaly which sees teams pay VAT on many of their core costs.
Alan MacRae said:
"With the weather we are having, the skills of our mountain rescue teams are in huge demand - as they were last winter too.
"It makes no sense for the Government to be taxing a life-saving emergency service which is largely funded by donations and staffed by volunteers. The cost to the public purse of replacing what is currently given freely would be enormous.
"It is disgraceful that Labour repeatedly ignored calls to hand back VAT to Mountain Rescue Teams during 13 years of government. They have absolutely no credibility on this issue.
"Liberal Democrats argued strongly for a VAT refund in the General Election. With Danny Alexander at the heart of Government, I am confident that it is being actively considered.
"The acute pressure now on our Mountain Rescue Teams for the second successive year makes the case for action more urgent. By refunding the VAT, we would send a strong message that the Government stands alongside the volunteers who help save lives all year round and especially in the worst of our weather - and the communities that support them."
Mr MacRae visited Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team on Saturday 11th December to discuss the pressures facing them.
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