Remove value-added tax (VAT) from basic food items.
This was a key feature of the Fiji Council of Social Services’ (FCOSS) 2021-2022 National Budget submission to the Economy Ministry.
FCOSS executive director Vani Catanasiga said Government must ensure VAT was removed so the hardship faced by communities with regards to food security and hunger could be alleviated.
“This is no longer just a health crisis – this is a humanitarian crisis with far-reaching and long-term impacts on the wellbeing of Fijian citizens,” she said.
Ms Catanasiga said access to food was one of the first challenges identified in FCOSS’s People’s Livelihood Survey that was undertaken after the first wave and in the wake of Severe Tropical Cyclone Harold in 2020.
“The removal of VAT from basic food items, however, needs to be heeded this year as we anticipate that this crisis will continue into the next few months.
“We’ve had two protests from communities in lockdown already in the last few weeks – much of it had to do with access to food.
“This should send a clear signal to the Government that the removal of VAT from basic food items must be done in this year’s budget.”
