Say no to a higher VAT rate on sport

The new government's plans to raise VAT (value added tax, btw) on a wide range of services and products will also affect everyone who takes part in sport or attends sports events. Gyms and combat sports events are set to become more expensive. Businesses in sport, such as gym owners and promoters, will lose visitors. But perhaps the most damaging consequence is that fewer people will continue to take part in sport and physical activity. That is why the Vechtsportautoriteit (the Dutch Combat Sports Authority) supports the call to reconsider these plans.

One of the core tasks of the Vechtsportautoriteit is to work towards a healthy combat sports sector. The plans to raise VAT are harmful to combat sports. Fewer people will take up these sports. Gyms will lose customers and face tougher conditions. Events will become more expensive and will lose visitors. As a result, some promoters will stop organising bouts. That also means fewer opportunities for young athletes to compete and develop. The sport as a whole will therefore suffer.

In addition, the entire sports sector has been tasked by politicians with getting as many people in the Netherlands as possible to take part in sport and physical activity. Because it is good for people, and because a healthier population incurs lower healthcare costs. The VAT plans undermine this good work.

That is why the VA supports the campaign: #geenhogerebtw (no higher VAT)

The VA is an associate member of NOC*NSF (the Dutch Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation) and a member of the Platform Ondernemende Sportaanbieders (platform for commercial sports providers), two of the driving forces behind this campaign.

Because the cultural sector and the media are being hit just as hard, with damaging consequences for society as a whole, the sports sector is joining forces with the cultural sector and the media in a broad campaign calling on the new government to abandon the VAT increases.

Do you want to support the campaign? Campaign materials are available at geenhogerebtw.nl/