Taxation: Plastic Bags

Debate between Lord Sassoon and Baroness Howarth of Breckland

Monday 28th May 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Sassoon]

My Lords, this is also a Government who take the burdens on business through red tape extremely seriously. We have to balance the various factors at play here.

[Baroness Howarth of Breckland]

My Lords, is the Minister aware that the amount of plastic we are saving from the shops has been overtaken by plastic bags that purport to collect clothing for various charities? Have the Government looked at this? They are very useful for recycling in rubbish bags but I am sure it is another unnecessary use of plastic.

[Lord Sassoon]

I am very happy to learn a bit more about this subject. I thank the noble Baroness.

Charities: VAT

Debate between Lord Sassoon and Baroness Howarth of Breckland

Thursday 13th January 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Sassoon]

My Lords, we look at charitable-related VAT schemes and have a number under consideration at the moment. I am always happy to look at schemes. I stress that the Government have made special recognition of the importance of the charitable sector through the tough spending review. The Office for Civil Society will be spending around £470 million on programmes supporting the voluntary and community sector over the spending review period. The big society bank will have a further contribution to make and my right honourable friend the Chancellor announced a £100 million transition fund for those voluntary and community sector organisations that are affected by spending reductions. The Government absolutely recognise the support that is needed for this sector.

[Baroness Howarth of Breckland]

My Lords—