Should the Government raise GST to 15 per cent?

Opinion

Retailers face a scramble to get new price tags on imported goods ahead of a tipped October 1 rise in GST, expected to be announced in today's Budget.

The Retailers Association says clothing, footwear and gift products imported by major chains are price-marked at the factory.

"It is critically important for the industry that sufficient lead time is given so that pricing changes can be made," the association's chief executive, John Albertson, said.

In a submission to Finance Minister Bill English, he said that the October 1 implementation date was the earliest store owners could cope with the change.

Should the Government raise GST to 15 per cent?