VAT On School-Specific Uniforms

EDM number 1118 in 2007-08, proposed by Nigel Evans on 05/03/2008.
Categorised under the topics of Schools and Taxation.

That this House notes that the Schoolwear Association is the trade body representing the entire school-specific uniform sector; further notes that the members of the Schoolwear Association supply products to 75 per cent. of UK schools; acknowledges that the Schoolwear Association's research has identified the various benefits that school-specific school uniforms bring, including a sense of collective identity, pride in appearance, improved behaviour and greater security; recognises that VAT is exempt only on those uniform sizes deemed appropriate for children aged 13 years and younger; realises that with an estimated 33 per cent. of all 11 to 15 year olds currently overweight or obese, the status quo ignores legitimate differences in size whilst also disadvantaging those from the lower socio-economic groups who suffer the highest incidence of weight problems; further notes that by raising the age of compulsory education to 18 years, families will be forced to pay even more VAT; supports the Schoolwear Association's Untax our Teens campaign, which aims to improve the affordability of school uniforms; further notes that this would collectively save parents around £4 million each year; and calls on the Government to reduce the rate of VAT on upper body, badged items of uniform to five per cent., in line with the Schoolwear Association's proposals.

This motion has been signed by a total of 64 MPs.