Change to the standard rate of VAT
Following the temporary reduction in the standard rate of VAT to 15 per cent introduced on 1 December 2008 the rate will revert to 17.5 per cent on 1 January 2010. Zero rated supplies, such as basic foodstuffs, children’s clothing and books; exempt supplies, such as education and health; and supplies subject to VAT at 5 per cent, such as domestic fuel and power, are not affected by this change.
Anti-forestalling legislation is included in the Finance Bill to prevent the 15 per cent applying to supplies of goods or services that are provided on or after 1 January 2010, subject to certain conditions.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2009/bn71.pdf
变态的英国政府。我要买沙发，本来想过完圣诞再买，看来要提早了。 
还好Christmas Sales在这之前。