Scrap the Heart Restart Tax has received cross-party support as Parliament returns from the summer recess. 9 MPs and Peers have already pledged support for our call to remove the 20% VAT levied on defibrillators to encourage access in communities and help save lives.
Many small businesses, sports organisations, and community groups simply cannot afford these expensive devices – costing between £800-£2,500 per unit – therefore greatly inhibiting defibrillator access in the places where they matter most.
That is why we are working alongside MPs and Peers to eliminate the tax on these life saving devices, a move that would reduce their cost by up to as much as £500 per unit. The full list of MPs who have pledged their support to the campaign include:
- Grahame Morris, Labour MP for Easington
- John Healey, Labour MP Wentworth and Dearne
- Caroline Dinenage, Conservative MP for Gosport
- Sir George Howarth, Labour MP for Knowsley
- Lord Patel, Crossbench Peer
- Jim Shannon, DUP MP for Strangford
- Baroness Watkins, Crossbench Peer
- Stephen Hammond, Conservative MP for Wimbledon
- Lord Aberdare, Crossbench Peer
David Stockdale, Chief Executive of the British Healthcare Trades Association, said:
“We’re delighted to receive widespread support from across both sides of the political divide for this important campaign to save more lives. The arguments for the Chancellor to remove the tax on defibrillators is clear - these already expensive, yet vital, devices should be made as affordable as possible so that all businesses and community organisations can afford one and ensure they are readily available for when they are needed the most.”
Caroline Dinenage, Conservative MP for Gosport, said:
“Making defibrillators more affordable is a simple and effective way to save lives. By helping every small business, community group, and sports club to afford one, we will be one step closer to ensuring every person suffering from cardiac arrest can be moments away from crucial life-saving treatment."
John Healey, Labour MP for Wentworth and Dearne, said:
“This is a tax on saving lives. Defibrillators bought for use by community groups, charities and sports clubs should be VAT exempt to make them more affordable and help save more lives across the country.”
Grahame Morris, Labour MP for Easington, said:
“Every second counts when it comes to a cardiac arrest. Better access to defibrillator equipment makes every bystander a potential lifesaver. I am urging the Government to listen to this campaign and this very simple solution to increase access to defibrillators and empower our communities and public with the tools to save lives.”