How to reduce petrol prices ....maybe

[manwithtool]

Watching that programme about Britain with Nick Knowles and Julia Bradbury.  They were looking to see if people would be prepared to pay an extra 4 p per litre to cover the cost of an attendant.
Given that petrol costs about 50p and tax makes up the difference of about 80p....What is to stop the garages charging 20p for petrol and 34p for an attendant ? that way the fuel tax and duty would be much much less....well half I guess although Vat would apply to the attenddant I guess.

Just a thought and no doubt a load of rubbish

[Justme]

They would just change the tax rules to cover the service of fuels as well. I mean you already pay for the shop assistants, cleaners, delivery drivers, refining staff even if its not billed separately.

[M]

The duties are paid on the actual quantities of fuel supplied, so the price charged by the station would only affect the VAt element. I think all the duties are paid to the refinery by the station so no luck there.

A similar idea was touted when VAT on hot food was introduced a few decades ago. Some chippies said they were charging people for a pickled onion, and giving each customer a free bag of chips, but the legislation for such things is pretty water tight.

The only exception I know off is the VAT difference for milk products when eaten in or taken out, hence why Maccy D charges two different rates for a milkshake.

Actually I lie, there is the kids clothing rule too that causes problems, as it's set on size, so lots of tall boys have to pay VAT on shoes, trainers etc, but adult women with small feet can get away buying VAT free shoes (if they like the range)!

Silly isn't it.

Mart.