PwC suggests 4% VAT rise to combat UK public debt July 11 2011 X LinkedIn Email Show more sharing options Copy Link URLCopied! Print X LinkedIn Email Head of macroeconomics at PwC, John Hawksworth, has suggested that a 4% rise in VAT would be necessary to reduce public debt to 40% of GDP by 2050. Unlock this content. The content you are trying to view is exclusive to our subscribers. To unlock this content: Take a Free Trial or Login