Ennis-Based Retail Group Calls For VAT To Be Slashed In Budget

An Ennis-based retail lobby group insists it’s critical that the VAT rate is slashed in the budget.

Retail Excellence Ireland wants the current 23 percent rate cut at a time when they claim online shopping and Brexit are posing threats to local shops.

Meanwhile, the tourism sector is calling for their reduced rate of 9 percent to be protected – something it’s claimed saved several businesses in Clare.

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Retail Excellence says a cut in the VAT rate is essential so as to protect the industry and give it a much-needed boost, at a time when Brexit and online shopping pose serious concerns.

The 23 percent VAT rate was introduced as an emergency financial measure – and the Ennis-based lobby group wants it dropped to 20 percent over time

Deputy CEO Lorraine Higgins says they can’t continue to be ignored.

Meanwhile, the Finance Minister is also being urged not to increase the reduced VAT rate in the tourism industry.

It’s currently nine percent, which was introduced to give the industry a boost during the recession – but there are worries that the reduced rate could be eliminated after Paschal Donohue told an Oireachtas Committee that the issue was under consideration ahead of the Budger.

But Kilkee-based tourism consultant Cillian Murphy says the benefits of retaining the status quo can’t be underestimated.