What items are VAT exempt in the UK?

What everyday items are VAT free (UK)?

• I know that books are; and perhaps cakes too, but there must be other things that are VAT free. So what are they? PS: I do think it's poor form to charge VAT on women's sanitary products. What do you think?

• Answer:

  New houses! Rail bus and air fares. Books magazines and newspapers. Children's clothing and shoes. It is often thought that VAT is a tax on luxuries but that is not the. VAT is charged on everything at 17.5% unless otherwise specified by law. There is a lower rate of 5% which applies to domestic fuel and other items such as house insulation. I seem to recall that Sanpro is too. Most food is zero but not if eaten in a cafe [etc] or supplied hot to take away. Sweets are 17.5% - cakes 0% - totally covered chocolate biscuits 17.5% as is fruit juice, carbonated drinks and bottled water... Have you now all lost the will to live?