VAT RELIEF A "HIDDEN GEM" FOR DISABLED - STUNELL
January 21, 2009 12:40 PM
Local MP Andrew Stunell today called for greater awareness of the 'hidden gem' of VAT Relief that is available on a range of products and services for people with disabilities.
His plea comes after a constituent reported at one of Mr Stunell's recent surgeries that some local traders were wrongly charging VAT to disabled people for exempt services.
The scheme gives full VAT relief on items such as wheelchairs and home devices that make life easier for the physically impaired. It also extends to services such as maintenance or changes to the home required to make living with a disability easier.
Mr Stunell has tabled a parliamentary motion - backed by a cross-party group of MPs, calling on the government to increase awareness of the scheme.
Commenting, Andrew said:
"At a time of economic hardship, the most vulnerable are the ones who lose out the most. This scheme has been in place for some time but I was shocked to find out recently how few people are aware of the benefits available to them.
"It's a hidden gem. Even some suppliers and retailers don't seem to know about this useful, money saving measure, and I know that locally some disabled people have been missing out."
Now Mr Stunell wants to see local builders and tradesmen alerted:
"They are often the people who get asked to do those small alterations that make a difference for a disabled person. They need to know it should all be VAT-free.
"If you have a disabled neighbour or friend who is planning any purchases or changes to make life easier around the house, make sure they know that they might be entitled to VAT Relief."
ENDS
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