Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate his Department has made of the (a) cost of and (b) timetable for implementation of the infrastructure which will be required at UK borders to add VAT when the UK leaves the EU.

The Government’s aim is to keep VAT processes as close as possible to what they are now. This will provide the best continuity and most certainty for businesses and individuals. HM Revenue and Customs is preparing for a range of outcomes, including appropriate collection methods and IT systems. Going forward it will be for the UK Government to decide what VAT rules we have, subject to the outcome of negotiations with the EU.