Mark Hendrick – 2015 Parliamentary Question to the HM Treasury

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Mark Hendrick on 2015-12-08.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to obtain a reduction or removal of VAT on children’s headstones and planters in cemeteries; and if he will donate the proceeds of such VAT to charities aiding parents and other family members of children who have died.

Mr David Gauke

The goods and services to which the government may apply a reduced rate of VAT are set out in Annex III of the Principal VAT Directive.

When the UK joined the European Community, the government successfully negotiated for zero rates on certain goods and services such as children’s clothing, most foods and the construction of new housing. However, EU VAT rules do not provide for the introduction of any new zero rates, or the extension of our existing ones, without the unanimous agreement of all 28 Member States.