Government must scrap VAT on defibrillators to save lives, an MP said today.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Conservative MP for Solihull West and Shirley, is calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to remove VAT from the purchase of the life-saving machines in her upcoming autumn budget.
Following a Westminster Hall debate on access to defibrillators earlier this month, Dr Shastri-Hurst highlighted the urgent need to expand access to defibs – and what he described as “the unfair barrier posed by VAT.”
Dr Shastri-Hurst, who served previously as a medic in the British Army, said: “Every minute matters during a cardiac arrest. Used within three minutes, an Automated External Defibrillator can increase survival chances by 70%.
“Yet VAT means that for every five defibrillators bought, a sixth could be provided if this tax were lifted. Simply put, it can mean the difference between life and death.”
He added: “This is a modest change for the Exchequer, but it would save lives and empower local communities. The Chancellor has an opportunity in the forthcoming Budget to act. I urge her to seize it.”
Mr Shastri-Hurst spoke out as the Labour conference swung into gear in Liverpool, with the Chancellor set to deliver her speech to the party faithful today (Mon Sep 29).
