My personal journey with charities spans over four decades as an advisor, employee, and trustee. I have witnessed firsthand the debilitating impact of Value Added Tax (VAT) on these organizations' reserves and their ability to deliver meaningful impact. The VAT is a punitive tax that significantly depletes the funds of charities working tirelessly in various sectors including education, arts, social cohesion, community building, medical support, animal welfare and poverty relief.

Charities are not just organizations; they are the lifeline for many individuals and communities. They bridge gaps where government services cannot reach or are insufficient. However, their potential is often stifled by financial constraints such as VAT payments.

In 2019 alone, UK charities paid an estimated £1.8 billion in irrecoverable VAT (source: Charity Tax Group). This enormous sum could have been directed towards enhancing their charitable activities and reaching more people in need.

We believe it's time for a change. We call upon our government to exempt charities from having to pay VAT for goods and services related to their charitable activities. This step will not only strengthen these organizations financially but also enable them to extend their reach further into communities that need them most.

Please sign this petition if you believe in empowering our charities by relieving them from the burden of VAT payments on goods and services related to their charitable work.