08.12.2009
The UK Government may announce plans this week to bring the country’s VAT rate closer to that of the Republic, which could stem the flow of shoppers travelling north of the border to avail of cheaper prices.
According to reports, UK Chancellor Alistair Darling is likely to up the UK VAT rate or signal plans to do so in his pre-budget report which he is set to deliver tomorrow. Some commentators are of the view that the VAT rate may be hiked to as high 20pc as the UK Government seeks to boost its tax revenues.
Darling introduced a temporary cut in the VAT rate from 17.5pc to 15pc last year in an attempt to boost consumer spending. The temporary rate is due to expire on 1 January.
In contrast, Ireland’s VAT rate currently stands at 21.5pc, following a rise of 0.5pc last year. This places Ireland’s VAT rate at the upper end of EU VAT rates.
According to commentators, hiking the VAT rate is less of a political hot potato than upping interest rates for the UK Chancellor.
Site design by Whitespace Publishing. Web development and hosting by Tibus Ireland | powered by HandsOn
Bookmark with: