The parents of overweight children are paying more for school uniforms because their kids no longer fit into sizes designed for under 10s.
School uniforms for children under the age of 10 are exempt from VAT, but suppliers claim that some children as young as seven no longer fit into the largest under 10 sizes.
According to the Irish School Wear Association (ISWA), which represents more than 300 school wear suppliers and manufacturers nationally, Irish tax law has not kept up to date with the increase in children’s sizes in the last 43 years, leaving many parents paying 23 per cent VAT on larger sizes.
Speaking on behalf of the Association, Karen Grant said,
“It is clear that the measurement restrictions in place for the zero percent rate do not adequately cover today’s school children. The zero rate should be expanded to ensure that all school uniform items, for school going children of any age and size, are not subject to VAT. This is the fairest way to assist parents to meet the costs of sending children to school.”
