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Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Monday, 3 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 November 2025. It was answered by Dan Tomlinson (Labour) on Wednesday, 12 November 2025 on behalf of the Treasury.

Charities: VAT

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make representations to HM Treasury on the potential impact of VAT on the affordability of (a) Remembrance wreaths and (b) other commemorative items provided by charities.

Answer

The Government recognises the importance of Remembrance events and the role they play in honouring those who have served.

Where a charity chooses to offer its goods or services for free and invite voluntary donations, no VAT is charged. Charities also rightly enjoy generous tax reliefs, worth over £6 billion in 2024, including Gift Aid, exemptions from corporation tax and a number of VAT reliefs to support fund-raising activities. However, where charities sell goods and services, for example charging a set price, and the charity is VAT registered, it must charge VAT unless a VAT relief is available.

HMRC does not hold information on VAT charged on specific products or services. This is because businesses are not required to provide figures at a product level within their VAT returns, as this would impose an excessive administrative burden.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
87483
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Charities VAT Remembrance Day
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk