The Isle of Mann leader/minister/sommink (didn't catch that detail) was on the Today programme this morning stating that:
1. Exactly the same VAT "rebate" (not sure if it's a physical rebate or a non-payment) is available wherever this aeroplane initially landed in the UK - the VAT exemption has to do with its use, not its registry.
2. He said (and I really know nothing about this so I'm open to being corrected by someone who actually does) that the reason for first-landing in the IoM was to enable it to get an IoM registration, and it's the cost/benefit of that registration compared to a CAA one which is the issue - nothing at all to do with VAT.
Can anyone fill me in on the details of (2) above?
TIA,
PDR