Scotland urgently needs reduction in tourism VAT – Richard Lochhead MSP

In yesterday’s Scottish Parliament debate on support for business and the economy, Richard Lochhead MSP (SNP, Moray), who was Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and Environment until 2016, thanked Derek Mackay (SNP, Renfrewshire North & West), the Cabinet Secretary for Finance & Constitution, for being the hospitality industries “white knight” on business rates, but…..Read more

Cutting VAT would more than pay for itself – Margaret Ritchie MP

Margaret Ritchie, SDLP South Down MP and EFRA Select Committee member, spoke recently about the need to cut the rate of VAT in Britain and Northern Ireland. Citing lower rates in other European countries, Ritchie affirmed her support for the campaign as competition increases from abroad. “The Rate of VAT in Britain and Northern Ireland…..Read more

Tourism VAT and Tax on the agenda at Parliamentary Committee

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee heard evidence today on Rural Tourism. Witnesses included Patricia Yates, Director of Strategy and Communications, VisitBritain/VisitEngland, Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive, Welcome to Yorkshire, and Jude Leitch, Director, Northumberland Tourism. In regard to Tourism VAT,  Margaret Ritchie MP asked the panel whether they would support a reduction. Ms Leitch…..Read more

Department for Culture Media and Sport ‘sympathetic’ to Tourism VAT reduction

During Parliamentary Questions in the House of Commons, the Minister for Tourism said her department was sympathetic about the case for a Tourism VAT reduction. Excerpt below: Mark Williams MP, Liberal Democrat, Ceredigion The figures alluded to by the Minister, not least those for Wales, are welcome, but what assessment has she made of the…..Read more

Cut Tourism VAT to help coastal regeneration

Dermot King, Cut Tourism VAT Chairman,  today spoke to Ian King from Sky News about how a Tourism VAT reduction could help British coastal destinations invest and compete with those elsewhere in Europe. While the cheap pound makes a holiday in the UK more attractive to overseas’ tourists Government investment alongside a cut in VAT on…..Read more

Tourism VAT on the agenda during Welsh Questions in Parliament

In a House of Commons debate on Welsh tourism on October 19th, CTV supporter Mark Williams MP (LD) brought up the issue of cutting tourism VAT with Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury, Guto Bebb MP. Both advocated the cutting of tax, but Bebb said there were “no promises”…..Read more