Labour has hit out at the Treasury’s decision to allow the temporary suspension of VAT on personal protective equipment (PPE) to expire, calling the move “unbelievable”.
The Treasury cut VAT on PPE to 0% in May, with the cut applying to items such as face masks and aprons purchased by care homes, businesses, charities and individuals to protect against the virus.
It was initially due to return to 20% in August, but was extended until October 31 at the estimated cost of around £255million for the six-month period.
Labour says the Treasury has confirmed the suspension will not be extended, with shadow financial secretary to the Treasury James Murray calling the decision “the last thing” families need.
He said: “It’s unbelievable that the Government wants to introduce a mask tax in the middle of a pandemic.
“With Covid cases on the rise across the country, the Government should be doing all it can to help people follow its own guidance to wear a mask, not ramping up the cost of buying one.
“Families across the country are already struggling financially as a result of the crisis. The last thing they need is to be penalised for doing the right thing.”
