Parking Eye (Aldi) charges and VAT?

Western_Campaigner

I've received a charge notice from Parking Eye after my wife and a friend overstayed their welcome while shopping at Aldi. (They parked for twenty minutes over the ninety minutes allowed, visiting only Aldi during this time - how anyone can spend nearly two hours shopping in Aldi is another matter - and yes we have receipts).

Having read through the threads and links from this site, I feel equipped to challenge this charge.

Before I do, however, I have a question. As I understand it PPCs cannot levy fines, in which case their "parking charge notice" is effectively an invoice (and a speculative invoice at that).

If so, then should PE be required to include a VAT registrtation number and account for VAT on their "invoice"? Is failure to do so a reportable offence to HMRC? (Never thought I'd cast HMRC as the good guys!)

(Again, as I understand it, on-street parking charges levied by local authorities are not VAT-able, but off-street parking is subject to standard rate VAT).

Am I correct in my interpretation? I'm not an accountant, but I do run a small business, so am used to accounting for VAT on the invoices I issue.

atilla

Being a good citizen i see it as your duty to inform HMRC of your concerns.
To assist you in your efforts i'm sure the following link will help.

https://www.gov.uk/report-vat-fraud

Tell them of your concerns, they'll appreciate your support.

Guys_Dad

Aldi have stated that they will cancel parking charges for genuine customers if you get in touch with them. Somewhere on the Aldi thread is the email address. And on their Facebook page.

atilla

Still no harm in letting hmrc know of the potential vat fraud though.

Hovite_2

I reported G24 to HMRC for the very same reason.

bazster

ParkingEye, of course, pretends that its charges are damages for breach of contract, and hence not subject to VAT. The downside of this (for them) is that they keep getting whupped at PoPLA when they fail to demonstrate a loss.

Anyone who gets a PCN which is (or could be, they are usually not clear) requesting payment of what is alleged to be a contractually-agreed charge ought to request a VAT invoice. That will give the PPC a headache!

Coupon-mad

Guys_Dad wrote: »

Aldi have stated that they will cancel parking charges for genuine customers if you get in touch with them. Somewhere on the Aldi thread is the email address. And on their Facebook page.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4660007

Western Campaigner, in theory it should be easy to get this cancelled by phone or email, (or in person at the Store) with receipts. COMPLAIN TO ALDI FIRST AND DO NOT BE TOO OVERLY GRATEFUL WHEN THEY CANCEL IT. THIS TREATMENT OF CUSTOMERS IS NOT ON, EVEN IF THEY THEN CANCEL THE THREATS. :mad:

Western_Campaigner

Thank you everyone for your herlpful replies to date.

I went in person to the store this morning, having first taken a number of photographs of the car park and its signage.

Presented with the PCN and proofs of purchases (which they took copies of), the Store Manager says that the charge will be rescinded by the Area Manager. I also pointed out the business they are losing due to their parking "partner", which elicited a rather sheepish grimace.

In case Aldi don't keep their promise, or Parking Eye still try to go after spurious "damages" (or whatever), I will be posting them a robust reponse - to ensure that I'm not time-barred from taking them down the POPLA route.

Incidentally all the signage as well as the PCN itself refer to the amount demanded as a "parking charge". As such (and thank you to those who have provided confirmation), it is subject to VAT and there should be a breakdown and VAT registration number present.

Guys_Dad

Priorities:-

First, get your PCN quashed, then you can become a VAT campaigner !