VAT

Pasty makers and fellow bakers turn up at Downing Street in their chef hats and white tops, but the informal air to their protest belies genuine anger over the government's so-called pasty tax.

Part of the 2012 budget was dedicated to making the tax system simpler. Channel 4 News casts an eye over the topsy-turvy world of value added tax.

With retail sales rising in the run-up to Christmas, Channel 4 News looks at the high street victims of the economic downturn.

Topshop and Bhs boss sir Philip Green warns that 260 stores face the axe after a profits slump.

A former South Yorkshire policeman has been jailed for 10 years and three months for his part in the UK's largest ever VAT fraud.

The top rate of income tax may not be raising any revenue for the government and could even be losing it money, a think tank is warning.

The Shadow Chancellor calls for an emergency VAT cut amid poor retail sales figures. But Nick Clegg says Labour's plans are "bankrupt", and an economist tells Channel 4 News the move would cost £12bn.

High street sales fell 1.4 per cent in May, ending the boosting effect of the April Royal Wedding and the run of bank holidays.

Chancellor tells Channel 4 News the VAT increase - identified by the Bank of England as a contributing factor to today's CPI increase - was essential in dealing with the budget deficit.