started as a tax on luxury goods such as fine cigars etc. Between 1940 and 1973, the main consumption tax in the UK, the Purchase Tax, had a class bias
in favour of workers, not owners. It was levied only on luxury goods, at a rate of just over 33%. The stated goal of this tax,
which originated in war-time, was to reduce the wastage of raw materials and redirect resources into the war economy. In 1973 the Purchase Tax was replaced by VAT, then levied at 8%; this represented a massive shift in the burden of indirect taxation from wealthy individuals to ordinary workers and the poor.
Value-Added Tax is one of the most
regressive taxes levied on working-class people in the UK. It is an
indirect tax levied on consumption, which means it takes no account of income, wealth or ability to pay, and is levied on most goods and services at the same rate payable on the most expensive luxury items
Just another way you are shafted every day by an uncaring and self serving Government