Simon Jupp MP presents petition to 10 Downing Street with Devon campaigners calling for end to care tax charge
Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, is supporting a campaign organised by The Filo Project, a local dementia care social enterprise, calling for an end to a tax rule that means organisations such as theirs must charge 20% VAT on care services.
The East Devon MP joined Libby Price and Liz Dennis, co-founders of The Filo Project, at 10 Downing Street to present a petition against the VAT charge alongside Anthony Mangnall, MP for Totnes, and Peter Kempton, an Exeter resident whose mother received care from the organisation.
The Filo Project offers unique, award-winning day care within hosts’ homes for small groups of socially isolated older people with early to moderate dementia. Since setting up in 2014, they have provided invaluable support to 3,000 people across the South West and have day care groups in Sidmouth, Upottery, Honiton, Wilmington and Chardstock.
As a not-for-profit organisation, The Filo Project faces VAT rules which stipulate they must charge families an extra 20% on their care services. This is because they are a Community Interest Company (CIC) and not a state-regulated institution or charity. Families supported by The Filo Project have paid over £700,000 in VAT for their day care since 2014.
By calling for a VAT exemption for not-for-profits like The Filo Project in the Spring Budget, the East Devon MP is seeking to lower costs for families using dementia care services.
Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, said; “The families of loved ones living with dementia shouldn’t have to pay extra tax on care. I’m proud to be supporting The Filo Project's campaign for not-for-profit organisations like theirs to be exempt from having to charge 20% VAT. This will make it easier for families to afford the essential care they need for their loved ones. I want to thank The Filo Project for their dedicated work on this important issue, and for the warm, empowering support they provide to those living with dementia across East Devon.”
