VAT will rise from 17.5% to 20% in January, the Chancellor revealed this afternoon.
Items such as food and children's clothing will continue to be exempt from VAT.
The Government says the increase will raise £13.5 billion a year by2014/15. An item that currently costs £100 that is subject to VAT will cost £102.13 next year.
Some estimates have suggested the hike will cost households around £500 a year.
The tax is paid for by retailers on the majority of goods sold but is usually passed onto consumers.
Further reading/Key links
Cut costs: High Street Haggling, Cheap Online Shopping
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