Ian Hudghton MEP joined Brian Adam MSP  welcoming the statement made by E.U. commissioner for taxation, Laszlo Kovacs which stated that VAT can be reduced to 5% on medical products specifically designed for disabled people. The statement came in a letter to the local MEP - Ian Hudghton, after enquiries made on behalf of one of Mr. Adam's Aberdeen North constituents over charges on hearing aids.

Commenting on the statement, Mr. Adam said:

"This is good news as previously the UK treasury had informed us solely of the necessity to charge VAT. I hope this will alleviate the financial burden for those with hearing impairments, and anyone else requiring medical equipment specifically designed for disabled people."

"I hope that now this new information has come to light, that the UK Government will put it into action and reduce the VAT on hearing aids to 5%."

Mr. Hudghton commented:

"The EU has made it clear in their response to me that the buck stops with the UK Treasury and I will be asking my colleagues at Westminster to bring pressure to bear on the Labour government in London to reduce VAT on items which are, for constituents with a hearing or other medical condition, essential purchases."