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A broad coalition of organisations from the worlds of sports, restaurants, media and culture, among others, are once again calling on politicians to abandon the increase in VAT on cultural goods from 9 to 21 percent. “Increasing VAT will cost the Netherlands more in the long term than the reductions will in the short term, and that is unacceptable to us,” they said in a joint appeal to the House of Representatives and the Council of Ministers.
According to NOC*NSF, Koninklijke Horeca Nederland and the Association of Event Producers (VVEM), among others, visits to festivals fell by 1.5 million and to performing arts by 0.9 million. Half a million Dutch people risk leaving sport, and the increase in VAT on hotel stays makes the Netherlands less attractive as a holiday destination. The drop in hotel nights has had an impact on visits to the theatre and museums, the transport sector, the catering industry and retail businesses.
Today the debate is about the government statement. Almost forty organizations are urgently calling on the cabinet and the House of Representatives to put an end to the VAT increase. They write: “It is essential that we ensure that all Dutch people have access to culture, sports, restaurants, books, events and news.”
Reading Tips
The book industry launched a petition against the VAT increase on books in May. It has been signed more than 300,000 times. The sector is also offering the Cabinet some reading advice.
Prime Minister Shoof It is recommended 21 Lessons for the 21st Century By Yuval Noah Harari. Gamblers and Kidnappers Written by Roel Jansen is a book by Finance Minister Heinen, The man is a failure Van Teun van de Keuken is a recommendation to the State Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, Romney, and the Minister of Defence, Brekelmans. The New Iron Curtain By Rob DeVick.
“Over 300,000 signatories to the #BookPetition wish the new government lots of reading pleasure and wisdom this summer!” the organization behind the petition says in a full-page ad in the morning newspapers.