Fire Prevention: Equipment
2026-06-22 · Treasury · 12366 · Official question
Question
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she will make an assessment of the potential merits of applying a reduced or zero rate of VAT to essential fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers.
Answer
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. Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for vital public services ...