David
Sumberg MEP
Date: 11/07/2007
Sumberg & Moore-Dutton: EU must not scrap the UK’s VAT exemptions
North West Conservative MEP David Sumberg is demanding that new European Union plans to scrap the UK’s right to exempt childrens clothes, stamps, newspapers and books from VAT are fought 'tooth and nail'.
Mr Sumberg was speaking after the European Commission announced a new "political debate" on how to streamline the patchwork of VAT rules that apply across the 27 EU states. Under these rules, Britain is able to keep a so-called "zero rate" of VAT on the printed word and children's clothes indefinitely.
Mr Sumberg said the proposals would hurt businesses, families and those who could least afford it.
"The EU is yet again meddling where it has no business,” he said. “These proposals are unwanted and unnecessary and must be fought tooth and nail. The UK taxpayer is already being hammered by the highest tax burden in Britain’s history. Moreover we must not forget the UK is contributing £3.9bn to the EU budget in 2007 alone. The very last thing our investment should be returning is Brussels imposed tax hikes! It is worth noting that while Gordon Brown was Chancellor Labour imposed 99 tax increases. As Prime Minister therefore he must do all he can to oppose further tax increases from Europe and ease the tax burden on hard working families and businesses.”
Cheshire county councillor Eveleigh Moore-Dutton said she feared the imposition of VAT on stamps would put greater pressure on post offices already facing the axe under the reorganisation of the Royal Mail.
"The future of rural and suburban post offices is a cause for great anxiety and the imposition of VAT on stamps would increase the pressure on small post offices,” she said. "Post offices are at the heart of our communities. We must fight to keep them."The commission said it could table proposals for new VAT legislation at the end of 2008 or the start of 2009.