Stuc a' Chroin and Ben Vorich

Stuc a' Chroin and Ben Vorich

Wednesday 9 February 2011

Mountain Rescue VAT campaign

Garbh Bheinn, Ardgour (scanned from a slide)

















It appears that Mountain Rescue Teams have won the argument, in principle, that they should be able to reclaim VAT payments. Although it is against EU law to directly refund VAT, it seems the government has found a way round the problem by putting money aside to help with the teams' costs. Good news.

The MRTs provide a vital service and although the idea of self-reliance should never be forgotten, none of us knows when we might need their help.

4 comments:

Sir Hugh said...

This is good news. However, I hope we never reach a situation where MRTs are government funded. This would inevitably lead to interference, completion of reams of paperwork, pointless meetings and some loss of control by the present volunteers - they are the people who know what they are doing. It is therefore important that we outdoor enthusiasts continue to provide meaningful financial support for this service which I am sure we all value immensely.

afootinthehills said...

Absolutely agree Sir Hugh. The Scottish Government has, however, provided funding for equipment from time to time and that I think should be welcomed.

AlanR said...

I have never understood why MRT's couldn't recover VAT. I am pleased that this is happening now.
I for one will continue to support them as much as possible.
I fear for the rescue helicopters now.

afootinthehills said...

Yes, we should all support the MRTs. The rescue helicopter issue is worrying - no doubt the government will destroy this world class service in due course.