The Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has announced that the Government will exclude hospices such as St. John’s Hospice from paying VAT, bringing them under the same rules as NHS Trusts, as part of today’s autumn statement.
David Morris MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale says he has raised this anomaly with the Chancellor in recent months on numerous occasions.
“I am delighted that the Chancellor has listened to my repeated representations to help our hospice in Lancaster with its financial issues,” he commented. “It is great to see that not just our hospice but all hospices are recognised for the fantastic work they do by the Government by having their VAT bill absorbed.
“I would like to thank the Visitor along with the whole community for putting a strong case for the hospice in our area to get more support and showing the Chancellor how vital this help will be.”
St. John’s Hospice cares for patients with life limiting conditions and their families and for all of North Lancashire, South Cumbria and parts of North Yorkshire.
Despite being quick to respond to this VAT news, he has yet to comment on the #VATMOSS debacle we reported on earlier today that will affect hundreds of small business, an issue we had hoped he might offer an opinion on as quickly, given his appointment as “Freelancers Ambassador” by the Prime Minister some weeks ago.
• David Morris statement is here on his web site. You can also follow him on Twitter
Great news, but hang on, why hasn't he been so quick to comment on #VATMOSS? After all, that's part of his new PM appointed role. Maybe the PM is backing the wrong man.