I wrote a letter to my MEP, Catherine Bearder. (It’s the first time I’ve done that!)

In it, I asked, “Dear Catherine.

“I wonder if you can help me understand why the EU requires nations to charge VAT on ebooks, but paper books are VAT free. That doesn’t seem fair. And it’s not immediately clear what the justification is?”

She (well, her staff) replied today. She says:

“Dear Ms Hallett,

“Thank you for your email about VAT on books and ebooks.

“I have considerable sympathy for the sentiments in your email, I think books and education are of fundamental importance to our society. As part of its 2016 Work Programme, the European Commission announced that it will look at VAT and include any changes in a revision of the VAT Directive, and the European Parliament has voted to allow individual EU countries to reduce the rate of VAT on e-books to match the rate on printed books.

“Therefore, the ability for Member States to treat ebooks the same as traditional books is on its way.

“I hope you find this response helpful and supportive. If you feel I can be of any further help on any European matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

“Yours sincerely,

“Catherine Bearder MEP”