Government announcement on tax free shopping
Headline Date 29-09-2020
On Friday 11 September the Government announced that it plans to stop offering tax free shopping to all international visitors after 31 December 2020. The sector is worth £3.5 billion and adds to Britain’s global appeal and competitiveness. We know from talking to our business community that this is yet another blow, at a time when many are still struggling due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The decision is not just something that will impact retailers, it will have a ripple effect across many sectors including hospitality and culture. Similarly, it is not only a London problem – the reality is that the tax free incentive does encourage visitors to the UK and this gives people a clear reason to go elsewhere. We are urging the Government to rethink its decision.
We urgently need your help to express the devastating impact this decision will have on a wide range of sectors across the whole of the UK.
Please see more information below about what action can be taken over the next few weeks.
- Write directly to the Chancellor: Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ / email: public.enquiries@hmtreasury.gov.uk
- Contact your local MP – you can find your MP and contact details here.
