‘Likely’ authorities will have to charge VAT

HARD pressed businesses and consumers are likely to be hit by price increases of up to 21.5% for refuse disposal, car parking and toll roads provided by local authorities.

This follows a ruling from the European Court of Justice that could also open the way to local authorities having to pay VAT on property and leisure centres.

It could also leave the State open to be sued by private companies that have been paying VAT on these services for years.