THE government’s decision to introduce a “mask tax” will cost families an extra £100 over the next six months, Labour warned last night as it accused ministers of “penalising” people for “doing the right thing.” 

Last week Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that VAT for personal protective equipment (PPE) will be reinstated from next month, meaning businesses and the public will have to pay more to buy masks.

The Treasury cut VAT on PPE to 0 per cent in May to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, but this suspension is due to end on October 31.