All VAT from today’s Concert for Ukraine tickets to go to charity
Melanie May | 29 March 2022 | News
VAT collected from tickets for today’s Concert for Ukraine will be donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, the government has said.
Hosted by ITV in Birmingham today, the concert will feature stars including Ed Sheeran, Snow Patrol, Gregory Porter and Camila Cabello.
Don't miss #ConcertForUkraine at Resorts World Arena with some of the UK's biggest stars on 29 March. Watch live on ITV, STV or online.
Funds raised will go towards the DEC #UkraineAppeal to help provide aid to people fleeing conflict.
Show your support: https://t.co/mYORFH6dLZ pic.twitter.com/kYVhkPqBCAAdvertisement
— DEC (@decappeal) March 28, 2022
Tickets sales are subject to VAT, but Chancellor Rishi Sunak said last week that the government would be making a donation directly to the charity, which includes the amount that would be paid in VAT on tickets. The total donation will be £100,000.
Sunak said:
“The British people have shown incredible generosity by donating millions of pounds to the Ukraine humanitarian appeal and I’m delighted to be able to pledge our support to this event and its worthy cause by donating the cost of VAT on ticket sales. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine and will do everything we can to support them.”
Tickets went on sale on 22 March, and ITV is donating all sponsorship and advertising revenue from the broadcast of the show. Viewers will also be encouraged to donate.
As of 17 March, the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal total had reached £200 million. This was raised in a fortnight and includes £25 million from the government.
More waivers of VAT for charity fundraising
- VAT waived on Tower poppies sales to boost fundraising income (6 November 2014)
- Treasury to waive VAT on sales of Band Aid 30 (16 November 2014)
- New Band Aid single available at end of November (17 November 2004)
About Melanie May
Melanie May is a journalist and copywriter specialising in writing both for and about the charity and marketing services sectors since 2001. She can be reached via thepurplepim.com.