A PETITION has been launched to help save parents from big back to school bills by making all children’s shoes exempt from VAT.

Wynsors World of Shoes, based in Penketh, is campaigning for a change to ‘unfair’ legislation which means that boys’ shoes larger than size 6.5 and girls’ shoes larger than size 5.5 cost 20 per cent more while children’s shoes are exempt from VAT.

A company spokesman said that parents and guardians should not have to pay more for footwear simply because their children’s feet have grown.

Instead, Wynsors is calling for all shoes to be exempt from the extra taxation charges if the wearer is aged 14 or younger.

Ben Sagar, group marketing executive, said: “Research by the College of Podiatry has found that as a nation, our feet are two sizes bigger than they were 40 years ago - and that applies to our children too.

“Shoes that fit properly are an essential for everyone, particularly for children as they head out to school or to play at an essential time in their development.

“Some will grow faster than others and we don’t think it’s fair that these children’s parents and guardians are financially penalised for those in their care having larger than average feet for their age.

“That’s why we’ve launched this petition to help shoppers save money and have more options when it comes to buying shoes for their children.

“We hope to change legislation and make it much easier and cheaper for those purchasing footwear for those aged 14 and under.”

To sign the petition visit goo.gl/UEpG7G.