WIREDGOV

Chancellor George Osborne has recently agreed to waive VAT on sales of the Band Aid anniversary single.

Chancellor George Osborne has recently (15 November 2014) agreed to waive VAT on sales of the Band Aid anniversary single.

Bob Geldof is re-recording the single to mark the 30th anniversary of the original release in 1984. Proceeds from the single will go towards the fight against Ebola.

George Osborne said:

I spoke to Bob Geldof this morning and I confirmed that we would waive VAT on the Band Aid anniversary single.

It’s fantastic that he’s got so many musicians together again to help fight Ebola – and I wanted to make sure every penny raised goes to combat this terrible disease.

Whether it’s the British public or their government, we are united in helping lead the world efforts against Ebola.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening said:

We are waiving VAT on the new Band Aid single to make sure people’s donations go even further as we fight to contain and control this terrible disease.

The UK’s £230 million Ebola response is already saving lives in Sierra Leone. Every Band Aid single sold will help provide more treatment and care in West Africa.

Further information

The UK is leading the international response to the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone.

Britain has committed £230 million to contain and control the disease by diagnosing and isolating Ebola cases more quickly, trebling the number of treatment beds, supporting burial teams, researching a vaccine and providing vital supplies such as chlorine and protective clothing for thousands of health workers.

Halting the disease in West Africa is the best way of preventing Ebola infecting people in the UK.

Find out more about the UK response to the Ebola crisis.