9 UK taxes you've probably paid without realising including takeaways and energy

In the UK there are plenty of sneaky taxes that can catch you off guard.

Taxes are an inevitable part of life, and in the UK, the standard value-added tax (VAT) rate has been set at 20%. However, there are also reduced and zero rates that apply in certain situations.

There are certain loopholes the government take advantage of to hit products with extra charges. For example, ice cream is not considered frozen food along with other treats such as ice lollies, and sorbets, so this loophole allows the government to subject those goodies to a standard VAT of 20%.