Do school shopping now

Wednesday, 08 August 2012 13:15

Written by Editor

Most parents start buying their children’s school books and utensils at the beginning of September but they’re starting earlier this year because the VAT on many of the products will go up to 21 per cent on September 1st. Text books, holiday exercise books, music scores, maps, albums and sketch books will continue to pay the reduced VAT of 4 per cent. But all the rest – from the smallest pencil case to the satchel – will go up.

The VAT on most office supplies will also go up from 17 to 21 per cent. According to the Malaga Consumers Union a notebook that cost €1.97 will go up to €2.29, and a rubber from 18 cents to 21.

A spokesman said parents should also take advantage of the discounts many shops are offering   on school materials in August.

The Federation of Consumers and Users (Facua) advised people to buy only what was strictly necessary.