Arguments rage over introduction of GST

Tuesday 10th April 2007, 12:00AM BST.

MOVES to add GST at the till rather than on price labels would put Jersey out of step with the rest of Europe, according to Economic Development Minister Philip Ozouf.

He says the amendment lodged by Deputy Alan Breckon would be confusing for consumers, who would be paying more than the marked price for their shopping. Senator Ozouf has written a paper calling for separate calculations on individual prices to add the 3% tax, in line with practice in the UK and EU. However, the Chamber of Commerce and Consumer Council have joined forces to back Deputy Alan Breckon’s amendment for a single GST calculation at the end of shopping receipts. The groups, which represent businesses and shoppers, say that they will lose out if individual prices are increased by GST because there will be many more calculations ’rounded up’ and more of an administrative burden for firms.

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