Macpherson calls for end to Tory cash grab

SNP MSP Ben Macpherson has renewed demands for the UK government to allow Scotland’s Police and Fire services to reclaim VAT, and for them to be refunded the £140 million they are already owed, ahead of hosting a debate on the issue last night.

Ben Macpherson has written to Chancellor Philip Hammond on the issue – which sees vital funds for both devolved services siphoned off by the UK government. Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue are the only two territorial forces in the UK that are unable to reclaim VAT.

Ahead of Tuesday’s debate, Ben Macpherson called on opposition parties to get behind the SNP’s campaign and to back calls for the UK government to allow VAT to be reclaimed, and to refund the money that they have already taken.

Ben Macpherson said: “The UK government’s refusal to allow our police and fire services to reclaim VAT is illogical and totally unjust.

“We know that it is possible for the required changes to be made – the UK government have already done so for Highways England and Academy schools – and yet the Tories continue to drag their feet when it comes to supporting Scotland’s emergency services.

“It’s time for Scottish Tory, Labour and Lib Dem MSPs to throw their weight behind the these calls, as the Scottish Greens have, not just to allow Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to reclaim VAT in future but also to get the UK government to refund the £140 million that they have already taken from Scotland.

“In good faith, I really hope Scotland can count on the backing of Scottish Tory, Labour and Lib Dem MSPs in this evening’s debate, because it would make no sense at all for any MSPs to support the UK government’s current position of selling Scotland’s public services short.

“If the Scottish Tories, Labour and Lib Dems at Holyrood are genuinely fully committed to standing up for our police and fire services then they need to demonstrate this, and back the SNP’s campaign to end the ridiculous and disgraceful VAT raid on our police and fire services.

“The UK Tory government must finally do the right thing – end this cash grab on our frontline services and end it now.”