The creation of a price observatory and the reduction of VAT to 6% in all components of the electricity and gas bill are two of the 18 proposals in the script to survive the crisis prepared by DECO.
Launched on World Consumer Rights Day, the roadmap of the Portuguese Association for Consumer Defense (DECO) aims to encourage public debate on the living conditions of consumers and ensure decision-making that can “promote the social and economic well-being of citizens”.
Among the 18 DECO suggestions are, in the food area, creation of an observatory to follow the evolution of the prices of goodsas well as commercial practices and legislation that reinforces transparency and the obligation to inform the consumer about the products subject to reduction [quando reduzem as embalagens mantendo os preços].
Reinforcing the offer of own-brand and national products, with special focus on a basket of essential goods, is another suggestion on the roadmap to survive the crisis.
In the field of mobility, DECO defends the right to reimbursement of season ticket holders in the event of a strike, the creation of a social rate for collective public transport and VAT exemption on rail transport, included in the baggage supplement for transporting bicycles and scooters.
in housing suggests fiscal and social incentives “that guarantee a true balance and supply in the market”the creation of “inclusive programs” adapted to the needs of all consumers, which include the rental and acquisition of their own and permanent housing, and less bureaucracy in supporting the energy performance of housing.
In addition to the reduction to 6% of VAT on all components of the electricity and natural gas bill, DECO proposes the reassessment of the criteria of the social rate, taking into account the current context of inflation and expansion of beneficiaries in relation to natural gas, as well as the simplification and support for the change of suppliers.
In the field of electronic communications, it suggests that all operators make available an economic package of services that includes telephony (fixed and mobile), internet and TV (reduced number of channels, but with a varied offer), at reduced prices and without compensation
It also defends the prohibition —with temporary measures— of annual increases in communications services above the weighted average of the inflation rate of the last 10 years, as well as the prohibition of the increase in prices and tariffs applicable to postal services during this period. anus.
In the script for surviving the crisis prepared by DECO, suggestions are also included, such as the mandatory application of the social tariff by all supply, sanitation and waste management entities and the application of waste tariffs that reward those who separate to recycle.
With the solutions presented in this roadmap, DECO believes that families “will be able to overcome the crisis, ensuring the safeguarding of their rights and interests by all sectors of the national economy.”
Source: Observadora
