Ashfield Council leader calls VAT on PPE an 'outrageous tax on safety'

One of those companies was Swiftool Precision Limited of Huthwaite and Sam Handley, one of the directors, spoke about keeping staff safe during the pandemic.

It has spent £85,000 on PPE.

As council leader, I want to thank them and other companies for keeping their employees safe.

From May 1 to October 31 VAT was set at a zero on supplies of PPE.

But now, face masks and gloves cost more after the government started charging 20 per cent VAT on PPE.

Based on this, it would have cost Swiftool Precision an extra £17,000 to keep local workers safe.

This is a tax on safety and leaves the poorest having to pay extra just to stay safe.

This is having an adverse impact on businesses and ordinary people who are legally bound to use masks in shops and on public transport.

It is outrageous and the government should be ashamed.

We will be asking the county council to join us in campaigning to reverse this stupid decision that could put lives at risk.

One of the things that has shone through during this pandemic is the community spirit shown by residents across Ashfield.

I have been pleased to visit and help out at the Sutton Community food bank alongside fellow councillors like Samantha Deakin, Tom Hollis and Helen-Ann Smith.

They are helping so many of our poorest across Sutton and beyond with regular food parcels and I am proud of the help food banks are providing to those who are most in need.

Covid lockdowns have had a detrimental impact on many residents’ mental health and many people, especially the elderly, are increasingly isolated.

I’d ask you before Christmas to call and visit anybody you think may appreciate contact.

Christmas can be a lonely time for those on their own and Covid restrictions will exacerbate this.

Please do your bit – you’ve no idea the positive difference a friendly call or visit can make to people’s lives.

Finally, it’s great to see Christmas decorations going up in places like Hucknall, Kirkby and Sutton town centres.

Sadly, the switch-on events have to be tiny, but it makes us even more determined to make up for it next year.

Coun Jason Zadrozny is leader of Ashfield District Council.