BusinessLive reports that Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene has requested the chair of the Davis Tax Committee‚ Judge Dennis Davis‚ to appoint a panel of independent experts to review the current list of zero-rated items.  

It must consider the most effective way to mitigate the impact of the increase in the VAT rate on poor and low-income households.  A statement from the National Treasury on Thursday stated that the review would consider expanding the list of basic food items that were VAT zero-rated.  It would also consider how specific expenditure programmes such as the National School Nutrition Programme and food stamps among others could be improved to better target poor and low-income households.  The panel is expected to deliver an initial report with all the options and recommendations by 30 June 2018.

• Read this report in full at BusinessLive

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