Renuka Jain

Government to tackle ‘throwaway culture’ by cutting VAT on fixing everything from bicycles to washing machines The Swedish government is introducing tax breaks on repairs to everything from bicycles to washing machines so it will no longer make sense to throw out old or broken items and buy new ones. Sweden ’s ruling Social Democrat and Green party coalition is set to submit proposals to parliament  to slash the VAT rate on repairs to bicycles, clothes and shoes from 25% to 12%. It will also submit a proposal that would allow people to claim back from income tax half of the labour cost on repairs to appliances such as fridges, ovens, dishwashers and washing machines.