VAT raise affects back-to-school supplies

Almeria’s Consumer Union-UCA/UCE has recommended that parents buy all of their children’s school supplies before the VAT rises on September 1. The new Government measure, which is expected to collect approximately €82 million by 2014, is expected to raise school supply expenses from €100 to €117 on average per family. Despite materials including satchels, pencil cases, pens and drawing material being considered basic necessities in the past, the new value-added tax regulation has changed their status and will raise their VAT from four to 21 per cent. Consumer unions also recommended parents to recycle as much school gear as they can in order to reduce back-to-school expenses.