COOPLANDS in the Market Place are running a petition against the so-called ‘Pasty Tax’  proposed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Under the Chancellor’s proposals, any food that is sold “above ambient air temperature” will become subject to VAT, whilst products that are served “at or below ambient air temperature” will not be.

A poster in Cooplands’ window reads:

20% VAT on Savoury Products

In the Budget the Chancellor has proposed to add 20% VAT on Savoury Products! This will mean a substantial increase in the price of pies, pasties and sausage rolls you buy. Please sign our petition which will be delivered to Downing St on your behalf.

Various well-known savoury product retailers, including Cooplands, have joined forces in calling for the Government to change its mind over the controversial tax.

The Government’s consultation period on the tax ends on Wednesday 2nd May 2012. The tax is due to take effect from 1st October.