Government announcement on tax free shopping

Headline Date 29-09-2020

On Friday 11 September the Government announced that it plans to stop offering tax free shopping to all international visitors after 31 December 2020. The sector is worth £3.5 billion and adds to Britain’s global appeal and competitiveness. We know from talking to our business community that this is yet another blow, at a time when many are still struggling due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The decision is not just something that will impact retailers, it will have a ripple effect across many sectors including hospitality and culture. Similarly, it is not only a London problem – the reality is that the tax free incentive does encourage visitors to the UK and this gives people a clear reason to go elsewhere. We are urging the Government to rethink its decision.

We urgently need your help to express the devastating impact this decision will have on a wide range of sectors across the whole of the UK.

Please see more information below about what action can be taken over the next few weeks.

  1. Write directly to the Chancellor: Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ / email: public.enquiries@hmtreasury.gov.uk
  2. Contact your local MP – you can find your MP and contact details here.
Back to our news Top