It has been revealed by HM Treasury that the VAT collected on donated personal protective equipment (PPE) will be given to charities supporting the NHS and care workers. This measure will apply to all the VAT collected on donations made from 1 March until 30 April - the period between PPE donations starting and when the temporary zero VAT rate on PPE became effective on 1 May 2020.

The government donation will be made to support frontline workers affected by Covid-19 equally through the Care Workers Charity and NHS Charities Together. The donation which will be equivalent to the VAT collected is expected to be worth between £500,000 to £1 million. The Department for Health and Social Care will make the donation of the VAT on the government’s behalf.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Steve Barclay said:

'Frontline health workers are fighting Coronavirus day in, day out – in our hospitals, care homes and communities. Whilst we will never be able to fully express our gratitude to them, we want these donations to be a small sign of our appreciation. From the Treasury and the whole government, we say thank you for all you are doing.'