News from Sheffield Labour

Betts pushes for child-safety VAT cut

In advance of this year’s Budget, Clive Betts MP (Sheffield Attercliffe) is pressing the Chancellor of the Exchequer to cut the level of VAT levied on children’s car-seat bases.

Clive Betts said:

“In 2001, I supported the Government’s decision to cut the VAT rate on children’s car seats from 17.5 percent to 5 percent.

“Since children’s car seats were made compulsory, we have seen a dramatic – near 50 percent – reduction in the number of children under 8 years’ old killed in road accidents. That is tremendous progress, but every avoidable death or injury is an unnecessary tragedy. We can do more.

“Some of those avoidable deaths and injuries arise because car seats are not fitted properly. Technology has moved on and many seats are now designed to fit car seat bases, making proper fitting more easy.

“However, VAT rules are written very tightly. Whereas child seats enjoy the 5 percent VAT rate, the seat bases are still charged at the basic rate. I’m pressing the Chancellor to change that in the budget this year.

“Am I hopeful of a change? Yes. I’m always hopeful.”

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