Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, has welcomed the Chancellor’s decision to waive VAT on fuel for the Wales Air Ambulance Service.
The Budget announcement follows calls from the Welsh Conservatives for the Chancellor to examine the ‘inconsistencies’ within tax arrangements for fuel purchased by charities providing air ambulance emergency services, particularly when compared to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Speaking following today’s announcement, Mr George said:
“This is extremely positive news - which follows calls from Welsh Conservatives for extra support.
“Our air ambulances provide an invaluable service in rural mid Wales and will continue to save lives, as they have done many times before.
“The UK Government’s decision to waive VAT on fuel makes perfect sense and I hope this will further ease financial pressures.
“My Welsh Conservative colleagues and I have called for the Welsh Government to match fund the air ambulance’s fundraising – which provides its sole income – and will continue to urge ministers to consider this much-needed additional support.”
Mr George has undertaken a number of charity fundraising events for Wales Air Ambulance as a local AM, including a 42 mile section of the Across Wales Walk.