Thousands of people across the U.K. are enraged tonight in the wake of Osbourne's Budget announcement today. Whilst the 'scathing public sector cuts' was a phrase mentioned, the real vitriol was centred around the new V.A.T rate of 20%, beginning next year. John Trellis of the 'Voucher Holders for Justice' Pressure Group was one example of this anger and released the following statement:
'How do the government expect the gift voucher holding nation to cope with the new V.A.T.? All the currently held vouchers in the economy - we think accounting for about 40% of the high street trade today - will still remain at the same value but won't be able to be redeemed for items of the value that they used to be used for. For example a £10 Waterstones' or HMV Voucher will not be able to buy an £8.99 book or CD because the book or CD will be worth £10.79. Millions of people will be cheated out of their vouchers and millions of people disappointed. Also, World Book Day tokens of £1 which are given to schoolchildren won't be redeemable for the £1 World Book Day books because they will cost £1.20. We hoped that as a voucher fan himself Mr Osbourne wouldn't make this move but unfortunately he has.'
Many token and voucher holders feel that the move has been made to prevent them from using their vouchers and therefore force them to spend real money and thus bolstering the economy. Even iTunes has waded into the debate citing the problems with marketing an £18, £30 and a £60 gift card. 'The numbers just look all funny and the six times table just smacks of desperation' Steve Jobs himself commented.
However, a counter movement called 'Use Your Sodding Change' was formed in response with the mantra 'Just use your change to make up the difference.' Spokespeople for Mr Osbourne and Mr Cameron were unable to comment but SamCam posted on Twitter that she 'did hope she could still redeem her '2 Meals for under a £50' voucher for The Ivy'.