Farron wins Mountain Rescue VAT fight!

Cumbrian Liberal Democrat MP, Tim Farron, used Treasury questions today to call again for VAT refund for Mountain Rescue to help them provide their vital emergency services across Cumbria and the north of England.

Unlike the other emergency services, which do not have to pay Value Added Tax on any equipment they buy, Mountain Rescue does not benefit from this VAT exemption and pays up to £200,000 a year to cover this tax.

Tim has been leading the campaign for a refund of this VAT for Mountain Rescue for several months and today Lib Dem Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander made the exciting announcement that money had been set aside to support charities like Mountain Rescue, which provide a vital emergency service. This is a huge win for Tim, Mountain Rescue and everyone who has benefitted from their services.

Commenting after Treasury Questions Tim said: "I am over the moon that Danny has made this announcement and that Mountain Rescue will finally get the VAT refund that they so thoroughly deserve for providing such an important service to people across Cumbria.

"This is an issue that I have been campaigning hard on for many months now and it is huge win for the Liberal Democrats in government and just another example of how we are able to make a genuine positive impact on the lives of people across the country."