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THE government’s decision to introduce a “mask tax” will cost families an extra £100 over the next six months, Labour warned last night as it accused ministers of “penalising” people for “doing the right thing.”
Last week Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that VAT for personal protective equipment (PPE) will be reinstated from next month, meaning businesses and the public will have to pay more to buy masks.
The Treasury cut VAT on PPE to 0 per cent in May to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, but this suspension is due to end on October 31.
Shadow financial secretary to the Treasury James Murray said that it was “unbelievable” that ministers were introducing a “mask tax” in the middle of a pandemic.
The Labour Party warned that the 20 per cent price hike will cost families of four who use disposable masks an extra £94 over the next six months.
This is based on the price of a box of 12 masks from Boots at £12.99.
After the waiver ends on November 1, the cost of masks for one week will increase from £18.19 to £21.82 — a rise of £3.63 a week, or £94.38 for the next six months.
While many people have switched to using fabric masks, a poll by YouGov found that a third of families still use disposable kinds of PPE.
Mr Murray added: “With Covid cases on the rise across the country, the government should be doing all it can to help people follow its own guidance to wear a mask, not ramping up the cost of buying one.
“Families across the country are already struggling financially as a result of the crisis. The last thing they need is to be penalised for doing the right thing.”
The Treasury was contacted for comment.
