Surcharge On Landlines Applicable On Unused Lines Too
The 50p surcharge, which is to be charged on landlines across the
The Labour party government has recently confirmed that 50p surcharge will be levied on unused lines too. If one single owner has two or more lines, some of which are not in use, he will end up paying tax on each of the lines, used or unused. In addition, landline owners cannot escape the tax by moving over to VOIP services, as these too will be charged.
All broadband users will come under the purview of the surcharge to prevent anyone from escaping the tax. There will be a Value Added Tax (VAT) on the 50p broadband tax on each line.
In addition, all loops whether running on co-axial, copper or fibre cables will be charged. The levy will come into force from October next year, provided the elections go well for the Labour party, which is currently in power. The Conservatives have made no bones about their lack of interest in pursuing this scheme if they are voted to power.
Outlining the various modes in which retailers may pass on the tax, government officials clarified that the tax may be added as an additional item to the bill, else it may be built into the rental or package price by retailers.
If the tax comes into being, the government will be richer by some £175m every year, which will go towards enabling high-speed internet access even for remote corners in
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