09/07/07 - Neil Parrish MEP, VAT Exemption Must Not Be Lifted

VAT Exemption Must Not Be lLfted

EU plans to tax children’s clothes and nappies

Brussels, 6^th July 2007 – The British government must veto European Commission attempts to shake up the British VAT system, which would see household items like children’s clothes, nappies and books taxed, Neil Parish, Conservative south west MEP, said today.

A number of essential items are included on a European Union list exempting them from VAT, but proposals brought forward by EU tax Commissioner, Laszlo Kovacs last night would significantly reduce the number of items that qualify for the exemption.

Mr Parish said:

“Inflation-busting council tax increases, hikes in utility bills and higher interest rates are all causing local families to feel the pinch. That’s why these plans must be blocked by the British government.

“The government has signalled it will veto these plans, but my concern is they usually go into European negotiations with strong rhetoric, and then back down. 

“Ministers must tell EU bureaucrats to stop meddling in our tax affairs. If we are to make any adjustments to the current VAT system, it should be to add more items to the exemption list, not take them off of it.”

Cllr Justin Tomlinson, North Swindon Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, "In Labour's rush to surrender all our powers to the unaccountable European Parliament local residents are facing these unacceptable tax blows.  It is time the out of touch Labour politicians remembered they are here to represent us."