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  • Murphy calls for VAT exemption on energy bills

    Date published: 11 November 2021

    Finance Minister, Conor Murphy is calling on Treasury to waive the VAT costs on energy bills to help families and businesses struggling with spiralling energy prices.

    Finance Minister Conor Murphy smiling to camera
    Finance Minister Conor Murphy

    Minister Murphy has written to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury asking that the VAT costs of 5% for domestic users and 20% for business are waived for a period of time.

    Highlighting the need for action to be taken, Minister Murphy commented: “The cost of living crisis is severely impacting many of our citizens, causing further hardship for families and businesses during an already difficult time.

    “Over the course of the pandemic, we have seen workers, businesses and families struggle immensely. Many will now continue to face significant financial challenges as we move through the winter period, with households and businesses coming under even more pressure given spiralling energy prices.

    “I am calling on Treasury to act now and suspend VAT on energy bills temporarily to support the many families and businesses facing a very uncertain winter.”

    Notes to editors:

    1. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Finance Press Office on Tel: 028 9081 6724 or email dof.pressoffice@finance-ni.gov.uk.

    2. Follow us on Twitter @dptfinance

    3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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