1-04-04

“Time to scrap VAT on audio books” – Barrett

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today called on the Government to scrap VAT on audio books, needed by some 3 million people with sight problems in the UK.

Mr Barrett has tabled a parliamentary motion, backing the "Right to Read" campaign by the Royal National Institute for the Blind.  The motion calls for the Government to remove the full rate of VAT currently placed on audio books and e-books and has already been backed by MPs from each of the other main political parties.

In a statement, John Barrett MP said:

"There are three million people in the UK who either have sight problems, dyslexia or some other reading disability.  These people, and the elderly especially, depend on audio books for information, education and entertainment.

"The UK has a proud history of not imposing VAT on basic necessities.  That is why ordinary print books are zero rated for VAT.  However, the Government has to recognise that audio books are by no means a luxury for those who need them and should have the full rate of VAT imposed.

"The current review of VAT rates within the European Union gives the Chancellor the perfect opportunity to secure an end to VAT on audio books and e-books so that people with sight difficulties are not disadvantaged even further by the state."

ENDS

Notes to editors

• There are two million people in the UK with a sight problem and another 1 million people with a print reading disability.

• One in 12 people over the age of 60 and one in 6 people over the age of 75 could be registered blind or partially sighted.

• Within the next 30 years, there will be 2.5 million people living with sight loss.

• Every day, 100 people are registered blind or partially sighted.
  (Source: The Royal National Institute for the Blind)

• John Barrett has tabled the following Early Day Motion:
  
  That this House notes that although print books are zero-rated for VAT, audio books carry the full rate of VAT; believes that audio books are vital for the three million people in the United Kingdom who have sight problems, dyslexia or other reading disabilities and should not be treated as a luxury; calls on the Government to work within the European Union to achieve zero-rated VAT on unabridged audio books and e-books; and congratulates the Royal National Institute for the Blind for their campaigning in this regard.