Remove the VAT on community-purchased automated external defibrillators (AEDs), the cabinet in which they are housed and any replacement parts. Remove the VAT on first aid courses that are aimed at the community, voluntary sectors and Paediatric courses. Remove the VAT on first aid supplies.
According to British Heat Foundation figures there are 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests. Only 1 in 10 survive. In the event of a cardiac arrest an AED can be a vital tool for CPR to be successful.
Furthermore, without this tax on saving lives, first aid courses should be more accessible for community and voluntary sectors and supplies should be more readily available .
In 2013 the sitting chancellor said he could not remove VAT because EU rules "ted his hands." Well, we are no longer in the EU.