Labour MP Ian Murray is campaigning for e-publications to be exempt from VAT.
Printed books, magazines and newspapers have been VAT exempt ever since the UK’s VAT regime was established in the 1970s to protect the accessibility of reading materials, and in recognition of the value of reading and knowledge.
But digital editions are still subject to 20 per cent VAT.
The beneficiaries of e-publications include many older and disabled people, military personnel and children who prefer to read on digital devices.
Mr Murray has called on The Chancellor of the Exchequer to abolish the tax on e-publications in order to promote equal access to reading and knowledge for all.
The Labour MP for Edinburgh South and former chair of the Foundation of Hearts, has just authored his own book – “This is our story: how the fans kept their Hearts beating”- chronicling the unprecedented story of the turmoil and uncertainty that the football club battled in the fight against liquidation.
He has formally asked the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nicky Morgan, what assessment she has made of the benefits of e-readers and other digital reading materials to partially sighted or blind people; and what steps her department takes to promote access to these materials.
Ian Murray said:“The principle of VAT-exemption should also apply to e-publications, which are currently subject to 20 per cent VAT.
“E-publications are used by many older and disabled people, including partially sighted or blind people, and children who prefer to read on digital devices.
“It’s time to right this illogical discrepancy in our tax system. It is not only unfair for those who prefer a digital format, but it specifically discriminates against those with accessibility requirements.
“I applaud The Edinburgh Reporter for providing its news as an e-publication. The Chancellor should abolish the tax on e-publications in order to promote equal access to reading and knowledge for all.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
