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Speech in Westminster Hall - Thu 20 Dec 2018
Christmas Adjournment

"Before the House adjourns for the Christmas recess, there are a number of points that I wish to raise. I will not sulk at this wonderful debate being downgraded—some might say—to Westminster Hall. It is not quite like having it in the Chamber; it is cosy and intimate, and we …..."
David Amess - View Speech

View all David Amess (Con - Southend West) contributions to the debate on: Christmas Adjournment

Written Question
Press and Publications: VAT
Monday 12th November 2018

Asked by: David Amess (Conservative - Southend West)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he plans to take following the passage of EU Directive 2006/112/EC on the rates of value added tax applied to books, newspapers and periodicals.

Answered by Mel Stride - Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer

Value Added Tax (VAT) generates over £120 billion each year for our vital public services. With this in mind, any amendments to the VAT regime as it applies to physical and digital publications must be carefully assessed against policy, economic and fiscal considerations.

HM Treasury officials have discussed EU Directive 2006/112 in the usual UK and EU fora. In respect of EU legislative changes relating to physical and digital publications, HM Treasury has received representations from the industry and discussed the matter at official level with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.


Written Question
Publications: VAT
Monday 12th November 2018

Asked by: David Amess (Conservative - Southend West)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions his Department has had and with whom on (a) EU Directive 2006/112/EC and (b) the UK VAT regime on print and digital publications.

Answered by Mel Stride - Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer

Value Added Tax (VAT) generates over £120 billion each year for our vital public services. With this in mind, any amendments to the VAT regime as it applies to physical and digital publications must be carefully assessed against policy, economic and fiscal considerations.

HM Treasury officials have discussed EU Directive 2006/112 in the usual UK and EU fora. In respect of EU legislative changes relating to physical and digital publications, HM Treasury has received representations from the industry and discussed the matter at official level with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.


Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 06 Nov 2018
Oral Answers to Questions

"8. What steps he is taking to support businesses and entrepreneurs. ..."
David Amess - View Speech

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Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 06 Nov 2018
Oral Answers to Questions

"Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating the BEST enterprise growth centre at Hythe in Southend, which provides free advice for businesses to grow and prosper, and has so far helped over 3,000 businesses in Essex, through start-up centres, to increase their profitability?..."
David Amess - View Speech

View all David Amess (Con - Southend West) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions

Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 24 Jul 2018
Summer Adjournment

"I wish to raise several points before the House adjourns for the summer recess, and I am delighted that so many colleagues have stayed to contribute to this debate. We really need a week to do justice to all the subjects that we cover.

I congratulate my hon. Friend the …..."

David Amess - View Speech

View all David Amess (Con - Southend West) contributions to the debate on: Summer Adjournment

Written Question
Publications: VAT
Thursday 14th June 2018

Asked by: David Amess (Conservative - Southend West)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the effect on the public purse of equalising at zero the VAT rate for e-publications and print publications; and if he will make a statement.

Answered by Mel Stride - Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer

Under EU law, a standard rate of VAT must be applied to e-publications. Although Member States are discussing a legislative proposal to allow the application of a zero rate of VAT to e-publications, this is yet to be agreed.


Written Question
Electronic Publishing: VAT
Thursday 14th June 2018

Asked by: David Amess (Conservative - Southend West)

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the effect on the public purse of reducing the rate of VAT on on e-books, digital newspapers and magazines and other e-publications; and if he will make a statement.

Answered by Mel Stride - Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer

Under EU law, a standard rate of VAT must be applied to e-publications. Although Member States are discussing a legislative proposal to allow the application of a zero rate of VAT to e-publications, this is yet to be agreed.


Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 22 May 2018
Oral Answers to Questions

"1. What fiscal steps he is taking to support businesses and entrepreneurs. ..."
David Amess - View Speech

View all David Amess (Con - Southend West) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions

Speech in Commons Chamber - Tue 22 May 2018
Oral Answers to Questions

"Will my right hon. Friend confirm that he will not raise taxes on small businesses, and will he share with the House what help the Government will give to entrepreneurs who are setting up for the first time, with particular regard to the business rate?..."
David Amess - View Speech

View all David Amess (Con - Southend West) contributions to the debate on: Oral Answers to Questions