THE leader of South Tyneside Council has waded into the row about plans to tax hot pasties.
Chancellor George Osborne wants to add 20 per cent VAT to savouries served above “ambient room temperature”.
But Coun Iain Malcolm said the proposals prove how “out of touch” the Government is with the country.
Instead, he believes it should target the snacks consumed by the more affluent areas of the capital city.
He said: “The proposals show just how out of touch the Government is to even consider passing such a tax.
“Why doesn’t it slap the tax on the caviar consumed in the well-heeled boroughs of London instead?”
Coun Malcolm has also pledged his support of Dicksons ‘Protect Our Pasties’ campaign.
He added: “When I get the chance, I will be signing the petition.
“This Government just doesn’t understand the needs of the North East.”
Fellow baker Greggs has also launched a petition against the plans.
The chain – which has branches across South Tyneside – put its petitions in store last Friday, and bosses said they were delighted with the reception so far.
Greggs’ finance director Richard Hutton said: “The positive reaction to the petition has been overwhelming.
“This fantastic support shows just how strongly people oppose the Chancellor’s proposal and reinforces our view that in campaigning against this tax we are doing the right thing for our customers and the bakery industry in Britain.”
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