Classification of Mobility Scooters as 'Luxury Vehicle' madness, says Stunell

4.43.04pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 24th Aug 2007

Mobility scooters for disabled residents should be tax-free according to local MP Andrew Stunell. In a letter to the Chancellor Alistair Darling, Mr Stunell urged the Treasury to fight a move by the EU to Change the tax classification of mobility scooters to 'luxury vehicle'. He also raised concerns that the move will force importers of mobility scooters to pay extra import duty for those scooters made outside of the EU, and that this would push up process for users.

The MP for Hazel Grove said:

"Mobility scooters enable sufferers of MS and other debilitating conditions to be mobile and live more independent lives. Grouping them with golf carts and racing cars is an insult to all the people who depend on them.

"I have been in contact with local businesses providing this excellent resource to members of our community. They are angry - the choice is putting up prices by around £250 per scooter, or going out of business.

"I am particularly concerned that this tax increase for a mobility scooter will make them unaffordable for many older people and those living on disability benefits. If they are unable to access vital services for themselves, people will be left even more dependent on over-stretched care services."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. New sales of mobility scooters in the UK are approximately 70,000 units/year.

2. Electric mobility scooters and golf caddies are classified in the same tariff heading for customs purposes and have been since 2002 when the World Customs Organisation published its 'Classification Opinion' on the subject, but UK importers were not made aware of this until April 2007.

3. Mobility scooters attract a 10% duty charge when imported to the UK; the code all the importers had previously been using had a 0% duty.

4. The British Healthcare Trades Association estimates that the back duty that will be owed by companies importing mobility scooters will be £10 million.

5. For further information please contact www.bhta.com