Mike Wood MP has today raised his concerns over the Government's proposed changes affecting the hospitality and tourism sector, with warnings that the measures could place additional financial pressure on both businesses and holidaymakers across England.
It has been argued that the proposal put forward as part of Labour's Government policy would impose a £1.6 billion tax burden on hospitality businesses, increasing the cost of domestic holidays at a time when many families are already facing significant cost-of-living pressures.
The criticism comes amid concerns that higher costs could discourage people from taking holidays within the UK, potentially impacting towns, villages, and coastal communities that rely heavily on domestic tourism to support local jobs and businesses.
Commenting on the proposal, Mike Wood MP said:
"Lots of us will enjoy a holiday in our beautiful country this summer, but Labour just don't get it. They have announced yet another blow for UKHospitality businesses by putting a £1.6 billion tax on the cost of holidays in England."
"I'm clear that this tax is the wrong policy and at the worst time, hitting consumers with higher prices for a domestic holiday during a cost-of-living crisis, and risking damage to our our towns and villages that rely on the income from English holidaymakers to make ends meet."
Calls have been made for the Government to reconsider the proposal and instead support measures that strengthen the hospitality sector and encourage domestic tourism.
