The Danish government has made a pivotal decision to remove a 25% sales tax on books, with the intention of addressing what has been termed a "reading crisis" among the youth. Culture Minister Jacob Engel-Schmidt expressed optimism that abolishing this tax, one of the highest in the world, would significantly boost book sales and encourage a culture of reading.
The fiscal impact of this measure is estimated to be around 330 million kroner ($50 million, £38 million) annually. Statistics from the OECD indicate a concerning trend, revealing that approximately one-quarter of Danish 15-year-olds struggle to comprehend basic texts. Engel-Schmidt noted that the reading crisis has been worsening over time and stated his pride in the government's commitment to enhancing cultural consumption in Denmark.
In comparison to Denmark, countries such as Finland, Sweden, and Norway have reduced VAT rates on books to 14%, 6%, and 0% respectively, while the UK also enjoys a VAT exemption for books. The need for such reforms has been underscored by a working group on literature, represented by Mads Rosendahl Thomsen, who highlighted the alarming decline in reading and comprehension skills among teenagers.
Thomsen emphasized that while younger children can typically improve their literacy skills, it becomes increasingly vital for 15-year-olds to possess strong reading abilities. He cited the abundance of distractions available to young people today as a significant factor contributing to their reading struggles. Though he noted that the removal of the VAT on books alone wouldn't resolve the issue entirely, he believes it will greatly enhance accessibility to literature.
In addition to focusing on internal reading habits, the government's working group also investigated other aspects of the literary landscape in Denmark, including strategies for exporting Danish literature, the digitization of the book market, and the financial implications for authors in the changing market.
The fiscal impact of this measure is estimated to be around 330 million kroner ($50 million, £38 million) annually. Statistics from the OECD indicate a concerning trend, revealing that approximately one-quarter of Danish 15-year-olds struggle to comprehend basic texts. Engel-Schmidt noted that the reading crisis has been worsening over time and stated his pride in the government's commitment to enhancing cultural consumption in Denmark.
In comparison to Denmark, countries such as Finland, Sweden, and Norway have reduced VAT rates on books to 14%, 6%, and 0% respectively, while the UK also enjoys a VAT exemption for books. The need for such reforms has been underscored by a working group on literature, represented by Mads Rosendahl Thomsen, who highlighted the alarming decline in reading and comprehension skills among teenagers.
Thomsen emphasized that while younger children can typically improve their literacy skills, it becomes increasingly vital for 15-year-olds to possess strong reading abilities. He cited the abundance of distractions available to young people today as a significant factor contributing to their reading struggles. Though he noted that the removal of the VAT on books alone wouldn't resolve the issue entirely, he believes it will greatly enhance accessibility to literature.
In addition to focusing on internal reading habits, the government's working group also investigated other aspects of the literary landscape in Denmark, including strategies for exporting Danish literature, the digitization of the book market, and the financial implications for authors in the changing market.
