The Association of Air Ambulances (AAA), which represents the majority of Air Ambulance operations in the UK has welcomed today’s announcement from UK Chancellor, George Osbornewhich sees the relief of VAT to all charities who work as part of the Emergency Response Service and a further allocation of £7.5 million extra support for air ambulance charities across the UK.

The announcement gives the air ambulance charities a VAT saving of approximately £10 million over the next five years enabling them to invest further in their life-saving work.

The Chancellor also announced an allocation of £1 million to Great Western Air Ambulance, £1.5 million to Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance Trust and a potential further £5 million being made available to all air ambulance charities.

Clive Dickin, AAA National Director said;

“We are delighted with the Chancellor’s announcement today.  In April’s budget the Chancellor introduced a rebate for VAT and duty charged on aviation fuel where it is used in helicopter emergency medical service missions of which we were extremely grateful.

“Today’s announcement comes following further lobbying and we have worked closely with our members, the All Party Parliamentary Group for Air Ambulances (APPGAA) and the RNLI to deliver the result on VAT.  The saving of £10 million over the next 5 years equates to 800 more patients per year being treated, potentially saving lives and improving patient outcomes.

The announcement sees not only a financial saving but also a relief of the administrative burden, allowing charities to recover all VAT and being able to treat all expenses equally across its operation. The use of trading companies and complex systems will no longer be required as a result of VAT relief.

Although the finite detail has not yet been fully provided, the AAA will be working with the Treasury and HMRC to gain a better understanding of this exciting news and advising its members of the resultant changes.

National Air Ambulance Week (NAAW) celebrates the work of local Air Ambulances across the country and takes place between:  Monday 21stto Sunday 27th September 2015.

Notes for Editors:

• Queries on this press release and requests for interviews should be directed to National Director, Clive Dickin on: 07967 369406 or by email:  clive.dickin@aoaa.org.uk

• Jpeg attached to this press release showing:
o George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer

About The Association of Air Ambulances

• The Association of Air Ambulances represents the majority of air ambulance charities, ambulance services and the supply chain throughout the UK.

• There are 20 Air Ambulance Charities and 10 Ambulance Services serving the UK.

• Air ambulances are not funded directly by the Government and receive no National Lottery grants.

• On average, an emergency air ambulance takes off every 10 minutes in the UK, flying 365 days a year.  Put another way, during every hour of everyday 7 Air Ambulances are attending incidents of various types including medical trauma.

•          Vision Statement

“The AAA’s vision is to improve patient outcomes through the provision of outstanding services to its members.”

•           Mission Statement

“The Association will provide a platform of representation as the authoritative voice for the UK air ambulance community to governments, legislators, supporters and the general public. It delivers services that will aid the operation of each full member, ensuring the unique characteristic of each member can benefit from the association and bring tangible returns on the members’ subscription.”

• AAA Website for further information: www.associationofairambulances.co.uk