Take the tax off, says local uniform shop (From Western Telegraph)

Take the tax off, says local uniform shop

4:54pm Friday 15th August 2008

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A Pembrokeshire clothing retailer has signed up to a national campaign urging the government to scrap tax on school uniforms.

Collins Clothing at Law Street, Pembroke Dock, kits out thousands of pupils attending Pembroke and Greenhill secondary schools, as well as many primary schools.

“School uniform is very economical to buy because parents don’t have to pay for the latest fashions and labels, but it seems unfair that they have to pay 17.5 percent extra on an item that has a school logo on it.”

Christine Evans, proprietor Collins Clothing

Proprietor Christine Evans says parents have to pay the full 17.5 percent VAT on school uniform for children aged 14 and over. Children’s clothes that are larger than a certain size are also taxed, to ensure petite adults cannot avoid paying the duty on them.

The Schoolwear Association says the size limit should be scrapped and instead all uniform —both primary and secondary — should be free from VAT, as long as it carries a school badge or emblem.

Christine Evans, a member of the Schoolwear Association, says parents could save £200million a year — or £35 for every parent — if the Government scrapped the tax on school uniforms.

“School uniform is very economical to buy because parents don’t have to pay for the latest fashions and labels, but it seems unfair that they have to pay 17.5 percent extra on an item that has a school logo on it,” she said.

“Prices are driven by competition and shouldn’t be driven by VAT.”

A Treasury spokesman described the issue as a ‘complex’ one.

“We keep these things under review and welcome submissions from any interested parties,” he said.

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