Hanson Petitions Parliament over Caravan Tax

Delyn MP David Hanson has today submitted a petition, signed by over 1,000 people, to Parliament calling for the Government to rethink its decision to slap VAT on holiday caravans. 

From October this year, holiday caravans, which are currently zero-rated for VAT purposes, will be taxed at the standard 20 per cent rate.

Caravan Parks bring in an estimated £727 million per annum into Wales and support over 10,500 direct and indirect jobs. The Government’s own figures show that there will be a fall in demand of 30 per cent under these changes – affecting around 750 businesses operating in this sector.

David Hanson said:

“Today I have petitioned Parliament, calling for the Government to reverse its proposals to slap VAT of 20 per cent on holiday caravans. The petition has been organised by caravan park owners and businesses across Flintshire. Over a thousand people have signed up and I hope that Ministers will listen and go back to the drawing board.

“If the Government decide to go through with its proposals to levy VAT on holiday caravans, then the results on the industry here in North Wales would be disastrous.

 

“The Government’s own figures suggest a fall in demand of 30 per cent, which will have a devastating impact on jobs.

 

“If there is a fall in sales then there will be a fall in visitors who will not be spending in our local economy. Thousands of jobs will be affected directly or indirectly.

 

“This Government should be promoting jobs and growth but instead is threatening the future of the caravanning tourist industry across North Wales.”