Stuart McMillan MSP has condemned the UK Government for failing to help remove barriers to anyone wishing to install a defibrillator in their local community – after the Chancellor confirmed there are no plans to introduce a VAT exemption on the purchase of all defibs.
Finance Secretary Kate Forbes MSP and Public Health Minister Maree Todd MSP jointly wrote to the Chancellor seeking his position on the issue as it is a reserved policy area.
However, the Chancellor stated the UK Government has no plans to change the current VAT treatment of defibrillators – meaning only certain eligible bodies can benefit from the current reliefs available to purchasing equipment, such as defibs.
Commenting, Stuart said:
“Over many years, I have supported Kathleen Orr and her family with their mission to improve access to defibs across Inverclyde.
“Every year in Scotland, over 3,000 people have resuscitation attempted in the community after they have a cardiac arrest, known as an Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA). Unfortunately, only 1 in 10 people survive such an event – but bystander CPR and defibrillation can and does save lives.
“One of the aims of the Scottish Government’s Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Strategy for 2021-26 is to increase the percentage of OHCAs treated with a defibrillator before the arrival of emergency services from 8 to 20%.
“To achieve that aim, it’s important that action is taken to minimise barriers for anyone who wishes to install a defib in their community – and cost is certainly an issue. I’m therefore extremely disappointed that the UK Government are not willing to consider a VAT exemption for purchasing defibs.
“This decision will ultimately make it harder for people to buy lifesaving equipment for them to install in their local community. It’s just another example of the callousness of the UK Tory Government.
“Despite this, many people including the Orr family have spent time and money to improve access to defibs across Inverclyde and I want to thank them all for their efforts. Ensuring they are registered with the Scottish Ambulance Service is vital, and if anyone is looking to purchase a defib and wants to know what current reliefs are available to certain organisations, please contact my office for assistance.”
