A 3,000-name petition to axe VAT paid by mountain and lowland rescue teams has been presented by an MEP teams to the European Commissioner in charge of taxation.
Chris Davies, who lives in Greenfield, is calling for EU governments to be able to exempt the teams from VAT, allowing them to save up to twenty per cent whenpurchasing vital lifesaving equipment.
The European Commission is currently consulting on changes to VAT law and the consultation period has been extended until April 25 to give more opportunity for views.
Mr Davies presented the petition and a four-page document to commissioner Algirdas Semeta, outlining the case for scrapping VAT.
He commented: “EU law already excludes our lifeboats from having to pay VAT. What is good enough for those who provide rescues at sea should also be good enough for rescues in our hills.
“Across the North West, Mountain Rescue Teams combine volunteer time with charitable donations, giving a lifesaving service for climbers, walkers, runners and bikers.
“This is a public rescue service with dedicated teams of volunteers who give of themselves unstintingly to help others.
“Mountain rescue don’t pay VAT in France and I think it wrong people who generously give money to support mountain rescue here should see it taxed this way.”
Mr Davies, who had spoken to rescue organisations across the North West and Lake District, is urging people to send letters in support of the petition to his website.
“Everyone’s views are valuable and they underpin the belief action must be taken,” he added.
“A VAT exemption would mean donations could be used for the vital work carried out by volunteers all over the EU without governments taking any of the money.”
Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, welcomed the MEP’s initiative.
Their trustee-director, Peter Hyde, said VAT exemption would mean an additional £4,000 a year for the team to add to their £30,000 annual spend.
He added: “Nationally, the public donates about 98 per cent of the funds needed by the UK’s mountain rescue teams – and a goodly portion is taxed in the form of VAT.
“It’s galling when individuals who make donations have already paid tax on their money. Some does come back in the form of gift aid when people have made the appropriate declaration.”
Mr Davies’s petition can be signed online at: www.chrisdaviesmep.org.uk
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