"Cut VAT on e-books" says Euro MP Sharon Bowles

Local Lib Dem MEP Sharon Bowles, who represents South East England in the European Parliament, has signed a parliamentary resolution which aims to cut VAT on e-books. Currently, EU countries may apply reduced rates of VAT for books bought in shops but e-books are often subject to a standard VAT rate of at least 15%.

Sharon Bowles MEP said: "E-books may be cheaper but there is no reason why people should have to pay more VAT. More and more people are purchasing e-books, myself included, and as consumers we expect to be taxed fairly."

"The resolution I signed is a stepping stone towards a cut in VAT on e-books but also on other electronic media, such as TV, movies and newspapers. If the EU is to maximise the benefits of the single market we should ensure that goods are taxed fairly, whether they are bought in a shop or online."