ISSUE NO. 1418
6 - 12 SEPTEMBER 2012
WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM
Traders battle to absorb VAT rises BUSINESSES - including many in Axarquia - are doing their best to cushion clients from the latest VAT rises. Even though many traders are struggling in the ongoing present economic climate, some have said they do not plan to put up their prices.
FED UP WITH PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR MOBILE?
902 88 90 70
One general trader in Nerja - who asked not to be named - said he would not increase prices in his store. “I need to absorb the increases in VAT, otherwise loyal customers of many years might move elsewhere to shop in establishments that decide to keep to the old price
rates. I cannot afford to lose local customers for the sake of a few cents in every euro.” This view was shared by a woman owner of a restaurant and café in Torrox Costa. “Increasing prices, even because of VAT rises, could put people off, and see them start using elsewhere,” she said. “So I expect many fellow restaurateurs to keep things as they are. I certainly do not plan to up my prices.” Meanwhile, nationally supermarket giants Lidl and Mercadona have announced they will not charge customers the VAT increase. Lidl said that thanks to their “business policies based on constant production improvements and cost reductions” the company will not have to pass on the VAT increases to consumer SMILES ALL ROUND: But summer holidays are over, and it’s back to school. costs. Both companies said the added VAT costs would be taken IT’S back to school for millions of one survey in Spain indicating backfrom their margins to children next week. For parents the to-school costs range from €300avoid affecting sales. challenging aspect of family budgets €700 per child in state schools, and Carrefour also plans has been faced in recent days, with more in private. to give VAT discounts •Turn to Page 4
Expensive return to the classroom
international payments eXpertly done Tel: +34 951 203 986 spain@hifx.co.uk Don’t let the banks cash in.
www.hifx.co.uk
FRONT EXTRA
Finger check for workers A NEW fingerprint registration system to counter absenteeism of employees has been introduced by Nerja Town Hall.
Sewage woe RESIDENTS continue to complain that raw sewage is being discharged near the dried-up mouth of the Chillar River near El Chucho and El Playazo beaches in Nerja.
Budget Yes THE go-ahead has been given by Torrox Socialist PSOE party to a 2012 budget showing €20 million income and less than €19.5 million expenditure.
Blaze theory NEGLIGENCE is thought to have led to a fire that raged for two hours destroying three hectares of scrub, olives and pine in the El Tejar Alto and Barranco del Doctor areas of Frigiliana.