CAFE GEORGE OSBORNE

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CAFÉ GEORGE OSBORNE

  

I was at the Treasury the other morning.  I notice that they have opened a coffee shop in their atrium.  This is the waiting room after you have passed the first level of security and before someone comes to usher you through the second.

I am glad to see that George Osborne is at last taking the country’s economic woes seriously.  Whether trying to get even more out of those taxpayers who visit The Treasury or HMRC (they share the building) is going to contribute much to the national debt seems doubtful, but it is at least a start.

The coffee shop does not have any seating of its own.  Customers have to sit on the Treasury’s sofas if they wish to consume their purchases on the spot.  I suspect this is to avoid having to charge VAT.  George Osborne has no doubt called in one of his VAT specialists to ensure that the takings will not be depleted by VAT.

I think that George’s VAT avoidance scheme works.  The seats are not part of the “premises” of the coffee shop.  Even after his budget changes, they will still not be, as they are not specifically set aside for the consumption of food.

So (I never thought that I’d ever say this, I must admit) “Well done George!”.

ROBERT MAAS