Keighley’s MP is backing Manorlands’ campaign for fair treatment over VAT charges.

Kris Hopkins has demanded the Government investigates whether it can allow the hospice to reclaim VAT.

Such a policy change would save millions of pounds a year for charitable health-care providers such as Manorlands.

They would be put it in line with limited companies, local authorities and parts of the NHS, which are all able to reclaim VAT.

Today the Keighley News is asking its readers to back the campaign.

Sue Ryder Care, the charity which runs Manorlands, believes that nationally it will lose one million pounds this year due to the recent VAT rise.

It says this would be enough to provide a 16-bed hospice for six months and 50,000 hours of in-patient care.

Manorlands alone needs to raise £1.2 million every year through charity voluntary donations to help pay its £2.1 million running costs.

Mr Hopkins has been appointed a “national champion” of the Sue Ryder Care campaign.

He has written to Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne asking him to look at the issue with a view to announcing changes in the budget on March 23.

Judith Mitchell, head of care at Sue Ryder, said the charity’s six hospices, seven care centres and 10 home care services had to reclaim VAT.

She said: “In this tough economic climate the rise of VAT will hit charities like Sue Ryder even harder.

“We have heard a lot about the Big Society and support the idea of charities delivering more high quality, innovative and cost-effective public services.

“However this is only possible if we are afforded the same benefits the NHS and local authorities are given relating to VAT.

“The benefit of Sue Ryder services to individuals, families and communities is not quantifiable.

“It’s priceless.”

Mr Hopkins said his relationship with Manorlands was long established and – like many other local people – it was very close to his heart.

He said: “Donations received by Manorlands should be used to support its incredible work, rather than be lost in tax.

“I hope, as a result of the campaign, the Government can be persuaded to accept this view.”