Compassionate Use Medicine Schemes: VAT Debate
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Baroness Altmann
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Compassionate Use Medicine Schemes: VAT
Baroness Altmann Excerpts(1 month, 4 weeks ago)
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Baroness Merron (Lab)
Again, I appreciate the invitation to enter into conversations about VAT more widely, which I will resist. Certainly, HMRC is aware of its role. We are trying to find the right way forward with HMRC while the issues are resolved, because patients are at the heart of this. HMRC is already using its discretion to extend deadlines where appropriate and suspend collection of tax if a taxpayer has requested a statutory review. It does not mean that HMRC has changed its mind on past liabilities, but it does mean that, if taxpayers and companies have concerns, they have a direct line to it. We are working carefully and closely with industry, patients, charities and others to find the right way forward as soon as possible.
Baroness Altmann (Non-Afl)
What data is there on patients who have been or will be denied treatments that they would otherwise have had? Does the Minister have any estimate of the amount of revenue expected to be raised from this? Are there plans for proper exemptions for patients who are in desperate need of this type of medicine and who may well then not be able to access it?