(ANSA) - Rome, November 21 - The economy ministry said
Friday the government's plan to include Italy's public TV
viewing tax in electric bills under its 2015 budget will cut
down on the high rate of evasion.
All Italians who own a TV set are required to pay the tax,
which goes to support RAI public broadcaster along with
government subsidies.
Under planned government reform, the tax would amount to an
average of 60 euros a year per household, among the lowest in
Europe, the economy ministry said in a simulation ANSA was able
to preview Friday.
The idea of including the tax on electric bills was
denounced as "barbaric" and "illegal" by Federconsumatori and
Adusbef consumer groups.
Meanwhile the opposition separatist Northern League said
the tax should be abolished altogether and Energy Authority
chief Guido Bortoni said the move might be "improper".
"It would be difficult to apply," he said.
Govt move to put RAI tax on electric bill incurs wrath
Assorted opponents call move 'barbaric', 'ìllegal'