THE parents of fat teenage children are being penalised by EU rules, says an MEP.
Under Brussels legislation, clothing for children under 14 is VAT-exempt.
But the rules are based on size, so that children larger or taller than the average 13-year-old have to wear clothing designed for older children.
Consequently their parents have to pay VAT on their clothes - including their school uniforms.
The problem has been highlighted by the Schoolwear Association, the trade body for school uniforms, which hopes that the VAT status of the clothing for larger children will be included in an EU directive review taking place this summer.
UKIP's Ellesmere Port MEP, John Whittaker, has been approached by the association's chairman, Donald Moore.
It is estimated that a third of all 11-15-year-olds are currently overweight or obese and the current situation disadvantages those from lower socio-economic groups, who suffer the highest incidence of weight problems.
Mr Moore claims that the association's ca mpaign would save parents collectively more than £4m.
Dr Whittaker said: “I agree with the arguments made by the association, but it should be our own government which decides on our tax rates, not the EU.
“In fact, not only are VAT rates subject to EU rules, we also have to hand part of all VAT receipts direct to Brussels.
“VAT is also prone to widespread fraud. The UK Independence Party would abolish it and replace it with a Sales Tax levied and controlled by our elected Westminster Government.”
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