what is 2007 VAT % vs 1985 VAT%?

Question

I feel that VAT percentage has risen greatly since 1985. If that is so, what are the basic percentages for each of the years 1985 through 2006?

Answer 1

The rate increased from 15% to 17.5% in 1991. The full table of rates, if you're interested, is -

10% for the period 1/4/73 to 28/7/74
8% - 29/7/74 to 17/6/79
15% - 18-6-79 to 31/3/91
17.5% - 1/4/91 to the present

For the period from 18/11/74 to 11/4/76 there was a higher rate on certain goods of 25%. This was reduced to 12.5% from 12/4/76 and abolished on 18/6/79 when the basic rate was put up to 15%.