VAT’s the way to do it

We Need a level playing field between high street and online retailers. The simplest way is to lower VAT on high Street purchases to 10 per cent and increase it to 30 per cent on online shopping.

This should be done without delay before even the coffee shops which proliferate in town centres begin to find customers in short supply.

TONY DEMARCO, Hastings, E. Sussex.

WheN I took on my first retail stores in 1979, the rating valuation was insignificant. But business rates was a significant factor in my decision to close my business in 2010.

We need a 2 per cent tax on all sales, similar to the state tax in the U.S. Small business would carry a far lesser burden and the removal of the fixed cost of business rates would encourage growth.

GRAEME HUDSON, Cardiff.

The problems caused to the high street by business rates highlights the anomalies of having an annual tax based on property values.

I have lived in my home for a long time and have no desire to move. In that time I have seen what was a town grow into a city and become a more desirable place to live.

This has resulted in a huge increase in property values accompanied by a similar increase in council tax. however, my income has not increased at the same rate.

BRIAN JURY, Chelmsford, Essex.