Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of reforming the application of VAT to the hair and beauty sector, in the context of levels of competition with other self-employed businesses in (a) Leigh and Atherton constituency and (b) elsewhere.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s third largest tax, forecast to raise £180 billion in 2025/26.

The Government recognises the important social and economic role of the hair and beauty sector, which not only contributes to people’s well-being, but also plays a vital role in supporting local economies across the country.