New Delhi, Aug 1 (IANS): The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government on Saturday slashed VAT rates on all cutlery items made of metal from the existing 12.5 percent to five percent, an official statement said.

VAT rates on wax, wood and timber items were also reduced.

"In keeping with the Delhi government's agenda of implementing pro-people tax reforms, the finance department has notified more than seven per cent reduction in the Value Added Tax (VAT) charged on the items falling in three categories," the statement said.

These categories include utensils of cutlery items made of metal (including pressure cookers/pans) except those made of precious metals, wax of all kinds not covered by any other entry of any schedule of the Delhi Value Added Tax Act, 2004 and wood and timber.

"Rationalisation of VAT and other taxes is the need of the hour and Delhi government will continue with its pro-people reforms," the statement said.