Local MP backs city’s tourism industry’s call to reduce VAT

*** NEWS RELEASE *** OFFICE OF CAROLINE LUCAS, MP FOR BRIGHTON PAVILION

Local MP backs city’s tourism industry’s call to reduce VAT

With World Tourism Week underway, Caroline Lucas is supporting the city’s tourism industry by calling on David Gauke, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury to reduce VAT on the industry to 5% to put the UK on a level playing field with their international competitors.

Caroline Lucas, Julia Chanteray, President, Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce and Soozie Campbell, Chair, Brighton and Hove Tourism Alliance wrote a joint letter to the Minister inviting him to Brighton and Hove to hear the case for a reduction on VAT on visitor accommodation and attractions, from our local tourism industry.

In their joint letter, the three argue the evidence shows that reducing VAT on visitor accommodation and attractions to 5% would lead to an even greater contribution from tourism to our economy.

They tell the Minister that lowering VAT could end the competitive disadvantage that the UK tourism industry currently faces compared to other European countries, most of which have a reduced rate of tax on tourism.

Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion said:

“The city’s tourism industry plays a vital part in the local economy providing thousands of jobs for local people. A reduction in VAT on tourism services will put us on a level playing field with our European competitors and give an immediate boost to Brighton and Hove’s tourism trade.”

Soozie Campbell, Chair, Brighton and Hove Tourism Alliance said:

“Reducing the cost of taking holidays and having a good time will immediately create the 'feel good' factor that British people so badly need. If people feel they can afford to take the family out and have holidays then their outlook changes and we start to improve consumer confidence. Following that the economy will get a major boost and then jobs will be created."

Julia Chanteray, President, Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce said:

"Our tourism businesses are part of the lifeblood of the Brighton economy. 20% VAT levels hit them particularly hard as they have to pass all of this onto the customer, and at Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce we think this VAT rate should be a much lower level. We want more people to come to Brighton, enjoy our lovely city and spend money here"

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