Athlone Chamber hope VAT reduction will encourage consumers to shop local

The President of Athlone Chamber of Commerce is encouraging local shoppers to stay local when availing of the reduction in the VAT rate.

The tax on goods and services will reduce from 23% to 21% from tomorrow, September 1st, in an effort to kick-start the economy.

It's eight years since the rate increase by two per cent and this reduction will only last until the end of February.

Alan Shaw, President of Athlone Chamber, thinks the change should make a big difference to consumers: