The VAT on sales of the X Factor winner’s charity single will be donated to children’s charities.

VAT on sales of the X Factor winner’s charity single will be donated to children’s charities, Together for Short Lives and Shooting Star Chase, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, announced today.

In recognition of the support both charities provide to children with life-limiting illnesses and their families, the government will for the sixth year running make a charitable donation equivalent to the VAT payable on the sales of the single to the charities.

The government has previously waived the VAT on the Save the Children single, Band Aid Ebola single, 2011’s Military Wives Choir single, and the 2010 Haiti earthquake appeal single.

Philip Hammond, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

Shooting Star Chase and Together for Short Lives do tremendous work supporting children with life-limiting medical conditions and the family members who care for them.

I’m delighted to be able to help by handing back the VAT on sales of the single to ensure that as much money as possible goes to supporting these fantastic charities.