VAT ON TAMAR BRIDGE TOLLS

Motion Text

That this House notes the advice of Advocate General Siegbert Alber that VAT should be levied on bridge tolls within the United Kingdom; regrets the possible implications of this advice for charges on the Tamar Bridge; is particularly concerned about the implications of extra charges for residents of Devon and Cornwall who use the Tamar Bridge as an essential link between the two counties; believes that the imposition of VAT on Tamar tolls would have a damaging impact on business, particularly in the Objective One area of Cornwall, and individuals as there is currently no genuine alternative route; and, noting the ability of member state governments to allow exemptions from VAT requirements, urges Her Majesty's Government to recognise that the one-lane 15th century bridge at Gunnislake does not provide a viable alternative route between Devon and Cornwall and that, therefore, the Tamar Bridge should be exempted from VAT.