VTUPB1100 | Trade unions and professional bodies: Background and law: European VAT law
From HM Revenue & Customs · VAT Trade Unions and Professional Bodies
Prior to the UK leaving the EU the UK had to ensure that the UK legislation reflected the EU legislation.
“Article 132(1)(l)” of “Directive 2006/112” provided exemption for:
(l) the supply of services and goods closely linked thereto for the benefit of their members in return for a subscription fixed in accordance with their rules by non-profit-making organisations with aims of a political, trade-union, religious, patriotic, philosophical, philanthropic or civic nature, provided that this exemption is not likely to cause distortion of competition;