Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether she has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on updating HMRC guidance and amending Group 15 of Schedule 8 to the Value Added Tax Act 1994 to not exclude social media advertising from the zero‑rating relief for charity advertising.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s third largest tax, forecast to raise £180 billion in 2025/26. Taxation is a vital source of revenue that helps to fund vital public services including schools and hospitals.

Charities already benefit from a reduced (5%) or zero rate of tax when purchasing some goods and services. More information about VAT relief for charities can be found here: VAT for charities: What qualifies for VAT relief - GOV.UK. The Government has no plans to broaden this list of goods and services to include social media advertising, but takes steps elsewhere in the tax system to ensure that charities receive treatment that takes account of their unique status and invaluable contribution.

Our tax regime for charities, including gift aid and an exemption from paying business rates, is among the most generous of anywhere in the world, with tax reliefs for charities and their donors worth just over £6 billion for the tax year to April 2024.