“This is a tax that risks exporting jobs and spending overseas while punishing British businesses that are already doing everything they can to stay competitive”
Fylde MP Andrew Snowden has condemned Government plans to allow mayors and councils to introduce overnight taxes on hotels and holiday accommodation.
He warns the tourist tax proposals would damage the Fylde coast’s visitor economy by making British holidays even less affordable, hitting hard-working families.
Speaking in the House of Commons, the Fylde MP challenged the Government over the proposals which could see families paying extra simply for staying overnight on holiday.
Mr Snowden argued that communities such as Fylde, where tourism is a vital part of the local economy, stand to lose the most.
During the debate, he said: “In areas like Fylde, which are very dependent on the tourism economy, it is important not just for the young people who get those jobs, but for the viability of the tourism and hospitality economy as a whole.
“Labour’s instinct is always the same: if they want more money, they tax something. Families, businesses, motorists, employers… and now they’re coming after the great British family holiday.
“People have already been hammered by Labour’s tax rises. The last thing they need is another charge slapped on the cost of taking the kids away for a few days.
“I’ve spent the past two years meeting hotel owners, guest house operators, holiday accommodation providers and tourism businesses across Fylde.
“They work incredibly hard to attract visitors and keep our local economy thriving.
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“The message I hear time and again is that costs are already rising and competition is fierce. The very last thing they need is Labour making UK holidays even more expensive.”
Mr Snowden warns the proposals could backfire by encouraging families to holiday overseas instead.
He said: “Labour ministers seem to forget that families have a choice. If you keep piling extra costs onto a weekend in Lytham St Annes or elsewhere in Britain, more people will simply book a cheaper package holiday abroad instead.
“That doesn’t just hurt holidaymakers. It hurts our hotels, cafés, pubs, restaurants and attractions, along with the thousands of local people whose jobs depend on tourism.
“This is a tax that risks exporting jobs and spending overseas while punishing British businesses that are already doing everything they can to stay competitive.
“The Government should drop these plans before they do real damage to areas like Fylde.”
