Where is VAT cash spent?

In the real world – charging VAT for a service that is VAT zero rated, and trousering the cash, would at least involve a legal inquiry . . .and at best lead to a some names being supplied to the office of the Procurator Fiscal.

But alas, South Ayrshire Council is not in the real world . . . apparently.

SAC has been caught with their plus fours at their ankles after it was revealed the removal of VAT in February from golf fees had not been reflected in any price reduction or potential refunds.

Asked to explain themselves, the council’s reply is an initial shrug of the shoulders followed by an official response that is complete gobbledegook.

But reading between the lines it means “We’re keeping the cash – and if we spend it on leisure then . . er . . . that’s alright then”.

Tory councillor Peter Convery rightly describes this financial jiggery-pokery as “sleekit”.

And hopefully his colleague Brian McGinley, who helped uncover the anomaly, will press for further information on where the VAT cash is being spent.