VAT latest: ABDO/AOP respond

In response to FODOÕs latest statement on the VAT situation, the Association of Optometrists and the Association of British Dispensing Opticians issued the following statement as optician went to press.
ÔABDO and AOP have welcomed FODOÕs commitment to full disclosure of legal and tax opinions on the current VAT cases. They look forward to receiving such information from FODO in relation to the Specsavers case and appeal to any individual practices contemplating separate action to consult their professional body first.
ÔABDO and AOP have jointly received legal advice from leading counsel that a VAT tribunal based on Leightons/Eye-Tech offers the best chance of a swift and fair resolution to the current uncertainty, with applications for a large number of practices. The two bodies have advised FODO and Customs of their position and are shortly to confirm the final status of a possible tribunal, based on Leightons/Eye-Tech.
ÔIn a joint statement, Tony Garrett and Ian Hunter said: ÒWe do not rule out a Specsavers case also being run since there may well be different considerations which such a case can explore. At this point there is some uncertainty as to the precise way forward as negotiations with Customs and Excise are still proceeding but members of our two organisations can be assured that we are taking appropriate action, in co-operation with FODO, to safeguard all their interests.ÓÕ