Cancelling an Economy Light fare - refund of taxes?

Having booked an Economy Light fare for family of 3, we now have to change our plans and leave 2 weeks earlier.
It's non cancelable/ non refundable, so... sigh... I guess the money is lost.

But - I did think they had to refund you the Govt taxes (about 50% of this fare!) as they don't pay those when you cancel - is this correct, or is the whole sum lost via some other legal clause?!

Thanks all

You can get a refund of

Proper government taxes such as APD, Transportation tax , departure taxes

Airport fees such as passenger service fees, security, customs fees etc

LESS the VS admin charge.

You won't get a refund of the base fare and the carrier surcharge.

Thanks Tonty!