Industry News
Thousands sign school uniform petition
Posted on 10th August 2007
More that 4,000 people have signed a petition calling for the Treasury to abolish VAT on all school uniform items carrying a school badge or logo.
New research carried out by schoolwear supplier Trutex found that nine in ten parents feel that VAT should be removed from such garments.
Clare Rix, marketing director at the firm, said that VAT on school uniforms is a "big issue" supported by many families, schools and members of the schoolwear industry.
"If the government really is serious about reducing the cost of school uniform for parents, then this is an ideal opportunity for them to demonstrate their intensions," she remarked.
Commenting on the issue recently, a spokesman for the Treasury said that when the country joined the EEC in 1973 it was able to stipulate certain things which would have a reduced or zero-rate tax on them, the Lancashire Evening Telegraph reports.
The present regulations cannot be changed without pursuing an amendment through the European commission, he added.