Scottish Liberal Democrat MEP George Lyon is calling for changes to EU tax rules which could make mountain and lowland rescue teams exempt from VAT.

Mr Lyon met with EU tax commissioner, Algirdas Semeta earlier to discuss changing the law in a move that would allow member states to axe VAT payments on essential equipment.

Mr Lyon, who is working with Chris Davies, MEP, has launched an online petition through his website that allows people who support an exemption to add their names to a joint consultation submission which will be passed to the EU Commission.

He said “In 2011 alone almost 600 incidents were responded to by Scottish mountain rescue teams and these numbers seem to be increasing every year.

“These are volunteers who regularly put their lives on the line to help keep people safe. They deserve our full support.

“At present, EU rules allow sea rescue teams to benefit from VAT exemption. I think it is only right that mountain and lowland rescue teams get the same help. The EU tax commissioner has said that he is willing to listen to the arguments we are making on this issue.”

Sign George’s petition here:

http://www.georgelyon.org.uk/vat_exemption_for_mountain_and_lowland_rescue_teams