Written questions

Public Footpaths: VAT

Commons · Question 26293 · Tabled 1 Sep 2026 · Treasury · Official record

Answered 9 Sep 2026

Question

Asked by Scott Arthur

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has made an assessment of the potential economic and environmental merits of applying zero-rating for VAT to repair and maintenance work on upland paths.

Answer

Answered by James Murray, 9 Sep 2026

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services, this includes most repair and maintenance works. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability cons...