| Updated:
Cosmetic surgery tax hike
CHANCELLOR George Osborne is planning a new tax on plastic surgery which would boost the price of some treatments by 20 per cent.
New guidelines call for doctors performing more invasive treatments – such as facelifts, breast enhancement, liposuction and tummy tucks – to charge VAT. Until now, that charge has only applied to minor treatments, including Botox injections and chemical peels carried out in High Street beauty salons.
The new levy, already dubbed the “boob tax” could raise up to £500m a year for the government, but has been condemned by the cosmetic industry.
Patients would have to pay VAT unless they can persuade the doctor that the operation is “therapeutic”.