Skip to main content

Written question asked by Lord Mackinlay of Richborough (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 November 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 26 November 2024. It was answered by Lord Livermore (Labour) on Tuesday, 26 November 2024 on behalf of the Treasury.


Publications: VAT Zero Rating

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the tax lost through the continuing zero rating of VAT on books.

Answer

The estimates of the Exchequer costs of the requested VAT reliefs in 2023-24 are as follows.

The estimate of the cost of zero-rating printed matter and e-publications, which includes books, was £1,700m. The objective of this relief is to support literacy and reading by reducing the cost of books, newspapers, magazines etc. in printed and electronic form.

The estimate of the cost of zero-rating children’s clothing and protective footwear and helmets was £2,100m. The objective of this relief is to support families by reducing the cost of children’s clothing.

The estimated cost of the exemption for burial and cremation was £720m. This relief provides exemption from VAT for burial and exemption services.

These estimates, together with those for previous years, may be found in the Tax Relief Statistics published by HM Revenue and Customs on GOV.UK . The latest estimates were published in December 2023 with values for financial year 2023-24 being forecasts. Updated estimates will be published on 5 December 2024.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2473
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Publications VAT zero rating
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk