Speed Read: Although VAT impacts the electorate as a whole, none of the parties have disclosed what their plans are about it. However, raising the standard rate of VAT provides a simple means of generating revenue and tackling the deficit at a low cost to the Government. Raising the standard rate would also bring the UK in line with the EU average of 20.25%. So the standard rate of VAT may rise post election but the removal of VAT reliefs seems unlikely. However, other indirect taxes may also be used by the elected party to steer social behaviour.
