Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Kzenon via Shutterstock
budget 2018

Vat rate on sunbed services almost doubles to 23%

Senator Catherine Noone said that sunbeds are currently defined as “care of the human body”.

AMONG THE MEASURES currently being announced in Budget 2018 (you can follow the action here), is an increase in tax rates on sunbed services.

The Vat rate on services offered by sunbed salons will rise from 13.5% to 23%.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said in the Dáil chamber that the increase acknowledges the “clear evidence” of a link between sunbeds and skin cancer, and is made out of a concern for public health.

Previously, Senator Catherine Noone said that it made no sense for sunbed services to have a much lower rate of Vat than sunscreen:

“Under the Vat Consolidation Act 2010 – sunbed sessions are currently allocated a reduced Vat rate as it is deemed a service consisting of ‘care of the human body’.

It is ranked alongside beauty treatments, yoga and nail salons – while paradoxically, the standard 23% Vat rate is applied to sunscreen.

“The concept of sunbed sessions coming under the category of ‘care of the human body’, is beyond comprehension.”

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, and 16% of those who are diagnosed die from the disease.

The latest figures available from the National Cancer Registry show that in 2014 there were 10,304 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer, and 1,041 cases of melanoma.

Read: Budget 2018: Here are the main points you need to know

Read: A growing problem: There were over 1,000 cases of melanoma in Ireland in 2014

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
9
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds