Ministers dismiss calls to remove tax from food

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Treasury and Re

The 1,500-signature petition said the axing of GST on food - currently set at 5% for the majority of goods and services in Jersey - would help ease the cost of living for islanders.

Miller said the government believed the best way to help lower-income households manage the cost of living was through direct support such as income support and personal tax allowances.

"Jersey's low rate of GST on all goods and services, combined with generous personal income tax allowance and income-related benefits, keeps money in Islanders' pockets and leaves spending choices to them," Miller added.

"To balance the books and so maintain public services, lowering the GST rate on foodstuffs could mean raising the rate on other goods and services.

"Analysis undertaken

In July, Statistics Jersey said the cost of food on the island had risen