Wake up, Gordon

摘要

We all know that many European governments blame the European commission for a whole host of national ills. But it is rare to hear about the opportunities offered by the Brussels bureaucracy that these same governments choose not to exploit. Like VAT, for example. The European Union has been experimenting with lower VAT rates on several different types of labour-intensive services, including the renovation and repair of homes, since 2000. Eight countries are committed to taking part, although the UK government's commitment did not stretch beyond the Isle of Man.