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Written question asked by Hannah Bardell (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 2 September 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 September 2019 (named day). It was answered by Jesse Norman (Conservative) on Thursday, 5 September 2019 on behalf of the Treasury.

Electronic Publishing: VAT

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits for the UK's literacy rates of removing VAT from digital products.

Answer

The Government keeps all taxes under review, including VAT.

Any amendments to the VAT regime as it applies to physical publications and e-publications must be carefully assessed against policy, economic and fiscal considerations. Any representations on this issue will be considered as part of the fiscal events process.

The impact on literacy of any reduction of VAT on e-publications is likely to depend on commercial decisions about the extent to which any tax saving would lead to price reductions for consumers, and any associated behavioural changes.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
285366
Session
2017-19
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Digital technology Electronic publishing VAT Literacy
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk