WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has blasted Government policies which she said continues to punish hospitality businesses and stated her strong opposition to a holiday tax.
The government is considering allowing mayors and other local leaders in England to introduce a “modest” tourist tax, or visitor levy, to raise revenue.
A version of the measure is already in place in some English cities, but it is something local businesses voluntarily add to bills rather than an authority tax.
The MP met with UK Hospitality, the lobbying body which represents pubs, bars restaurants and leisure businesses to hear of industry concerns about proposals to bring in a local tax on holiday makers.
West Worcestershire’s economy relies on tourism and major events like the Royal Three Counties show, the Tenbury Mistletoe Festival, the Pershore Plum Festival and Upton’s summer music concerts all bring in thousands of visitors spending money locally.
Pubs and restaurants have been hit by a series of major increased costs with business rates spiralling, employment taxes increased and higher wage costs meaning that many local pubs are at risk of closure with 220 businesses reporting they are facing greater pressures than ever before.
Dame Harriett said: “The hospitality sector is already reeling from severe increased operating costs and now the Government wants to slap a tax on the tourism sector which could have a major impact on the number of people enjoying a UK staycation.
“I heard the serious concerns of UK Hospitality which echo the consistent message I’ve heard from local people who are concerned that they are being driven out of business by Labour’s punitive tax policies.
