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Lib Dems demand cap on PCR costs and VAT dropped

Government
Tom Parry
9 August 2021

The Liberal Democrats have called on government to scrap VAT on PCR tests for international travel and cap costs, or risk overseas trips becoming "a luxury for only the wealthy".

The renewed requirement for PCR tests has dismayed the industry (Credit: Mufid Majnun / Unsplash)

Their demands are made amid a new analysis of test providers, which the party says shows "the spiralling prices" facing British travellers this summer. 

According to Lib Dem research, of the 400-plus providers that meet government testing standards, 102 firms (24%) charge £200 or more, while only 47 offer tests for (11%) less than £50.

The most expensive test comes is currently priced at £575, offered by a provider in London.

In comparison, Greece and Italy have capped prices at £34 and £52 - while in France, tests are provided for free.