Local MSP Maree Todd, SNP, has welcomed the announcement that Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue will be able to reclaim VAT.

Scotland’s emergency services had been the only territorial forces in the UK unable to reclaim VAT – which costs the forces £35 million annually.

The UK Government  has refused to repay the £140 million already paid by Police Scotland and Scottish Fire and Rescue.

Maree Todd said:

“I visited the Highland Area Fire and Rescue Headquarters in the summer and met local Senior Officer John MacDonald to discuss prevention & service delivery. The hard work and dedication of those who work there was clear. But like all public services, their jobs have been made more difficult as a result of Tory austerity. So the fact that the Tories remain unwilling to return the £140 million that they unfairly took from emergency services like these all over Scotland is completely unacceptable.”

Highland Area Fire and Rescue HQ – Maree Todd MSP and Senior Officer John MacDonald