Creating a price observatory and reducing VAT to 6% on all components of the electricity and gas bill are two of 18 proposals in Deco’s crisis survival scenario.
The Portuguese Consumer Protection Association (Deco) roadmap, launched on the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day, aims to encourage public discussion of the living conditions of consumers and ensure decision making that can “promote the well-being, social and economic rights of citizens”.
Among Deco’s 18 food offerings is the creation of an observatory to monitor commodity price changes, as well as commercial practices and legislation that enhances transparency and the obligation to inform consumers about products targeted by cuts. [quando reduzem as embalagens mantendo os preços].
Strengthening the offering of private label and national products, with a particular focus on the essentials basket, is another proposal on the roadmap to weather the crisis.
In the field of mobility, Deco advocates for the right to refund pass holders in the event of a strike, the creation of a social fare for collective public transport, and exemption from VAT on rail transport, including a luggage surcharge for transporting bicycles. and scooters.
In housing, he proposes fiscal and social incentives to “guarantee true balance and supply in the market”, the creation of “inclusive programs” tailored to the needs of all consumers, which include renting and purchasing own and permanent housing, and less bureaucracy to support energy efficiency of housing.
In addition to reducing VAT to 6% on all components of the electricity and natural gas bill, Deco is proposing a reassessment of the social tariff criteria given the current context of inflation and the expansion of natural gas beneficiaries, as well as simplifying and supporting provider switching.
In the field of electronic communications, it is proposed that all operators provide an economical package of services, including telephone (landline and mobile), Internet and television (reduced number of channels, but with a varied offer) at reduced prices and without compensation.
It also defends a ban – with temporary measures – on annual increases in telecommunications services above the weighted average of inflation over the past 10 years, as well as a ban on increases in prices and charges applicable to postal services during that year.
Decaux’s Crisis Survival Scenario also includes proposals such as the mandatory application of a social tariff by all supply, sanitation and waste management entities and the application of waste tariffs that reward those who share for recycling.
With the solutions presented in this roadmap, Decaux believes that families “will be able to overcome the crisis by ensuring that their rights and interests are protected by all sectors of the national economy.”