MPs call for a VAT cut to help seaside towns
Holday makers packed the beach at Wells. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: IAN BURT
Waveney MP Peter Aldous has been joined by other coastal politicians in urging the chancellor, George Osborne, to cut tourism VAT to help seaside towns such as Lowestoft, Cromer and Great Yarmouth.
Politicians from across the UK are calling on the government to encourage growth in their constituencies by cutting VAT on tourism.
Research commissioned earlier this year showed that cutting VAT on accommodation and attractions would create more than 120,000 jobs, add £4bn to the UK economy each year, and also contribute £4bn to the Treasury over 10 years.
With this in mind, MPs and parliamentary candidates believe that coastal towns and villages have a central role to play in Britain's recovery.
Mr Aldous said: 'Seaside towns like Lowestoft continue to face a variety of economic challenges. Tourism is an extremely important local industry and a tourism VAT cut would bring significant benefits, helping businesses to be more competitive and successful and to both secure and create new jobs.
'The UK is currently operating with one hand tied behind its back as the majority of European countries have more competitive rates.
'The economic case for a cut in tourism VAT, using the Treasury's own model, has been proved and I urge the government to consider carefully the compelling case which has been made.'
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Geoffrey Cox, MP for Torridge and West Devon, added: 'Tourism is the lifeblood of Britain's seaside towns and the economic case for cutting VAT to help these places is as clear as day.'
Should VAT be cut on tourism? Write to EDP Letters, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email edpletters@archant.co.uk giving your full contact details.
