26 February 2020 
Andrea Marshall, Tax Specialist
Despite speculation that it might be delayed, the new Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, and HM Treasury have confirmed that the Budget will go ahead on 11 March, as planned.
During an interesting debate in the House of Lords regarding the government's recent response to the Cairncross Review looking at a sustainable future for journalism, Baroness Morgan, Secretary of State for DCMS, indicated that the issue of zero-rating newspapers could be addressed in some way in the Budget (albeit her statement was prior to the change of Chancellor!):
'The Chancellor will consider the case for a range of potential tax incentives to support the news publishing industry this year, including policy options on VAT, notwithstanding recent litigation in this area. I note those, including the noble Baroness opposite, who have appealed for VAT relief to be extended to all digital publications. Winning arguments about extending reliefs is challenging with the Treasury at the best of times, but I am sure that this will be an ongoing debate. In answer to my noble friend Lord Black, there will of course be a Budget in March and any changes in relation to tax would be made at such a fiscal event.'
This may be an optimistic reading of the statement, but PwC also think the issue could be addressed in this Budget.
Addressing this issue in the Budget is all very well for the future, but if you are considering making a protective claim to suppliers of electronic publications, make sure you see our latest updated article on the News Corps case and our constantly updated webpage with details of our discussions with suppliers.
