when did the vat rate change from 17.5 to 20
Value-added tax in the United Kingdom VAT is levied on most goods and services provided by registered businesses in the UK and some goods and services imported from outside the European Union.[3] There are complex regulations for goods and services imported from within the EU. The default VAT rate is the standard rate, 20% since 4 January 2011. Some goods and services are subject to VAT at a reduced rate of 5% (such as domestic fuel) or 0% (such as most food and children's clothing).[4] Others are exempt from VAT or outside the system altogether.