Swedish Government propose tax breaks on bicycle repairs

A new law proposed in Sweden will drive down throwaway culture by offering tax breaks on anything repairable, including bicycles.

The ruling Social Democrat and Greens coalition submitted the proposals to Parliament last week, reports the Guardian. If successful the VAT rate would halve from 25% to 12.% on everything from switching inner tubes to sewing up cycle shorts.

The move is further hoped to create a revitalised home repairs industry, though in the case of the cycling business will probably only enhance a general shift toward the ‘workshop model’.