Obesity rises prompt calls for VAT change

Date: 26th August 2008

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has said that the rapid rise in childhood obesity means that the government should consider cutting the VAT charged on some clothing.

Current rules mean that there is no VAT charged on clothing designed for children under the age of 14.

However, the Times has reported that the BRC is claiming that soaring levels of obesity among young people in the UK mean that the current maximum size measurements that control these exemptions are now inappropriate.

Jane Milne, director of business environment at the BRC, explained to the paper: "For so far back in time there has been zero VAT on children's clothing as part of government policy to support families.

"But the point is with obesity, and better nutrition levels in general, children are getting bigger. The upper limits have to change so that more children's clothing falls within the zero VAT band."

Recently, the House of Lords science committee suggested that the government should use VAT to try to influence green consumption and manufacturing habits.