Graham Stuart, the MP for Beverley and Holderness, has taken further action this week to defeat the caravan tax and tabled a motion calling on the Government to reject plans for an increase in VAT on static holiday caravans.
This is the latest measure in the cross-party campaign pressing the Government to scrap plans for a caravan tax. It comes after Graham organised a meeting between MPs and caravan manufacturers in Beverley, led a delegation to the Treasury, tabled an amendment to the Finance Bill, secured an additional debate in the House of Commons, and met with Chancellor George Osborne to press the issue.
Graham said “I am pleased that a number of colleagues were willing to demonstrate their opposition to the caravan tax and I hope more will do so. I will not let this issue rest until we have persuaded the Government to change course on their misguided effort to institute a caravan tax.”
So far, more than forty MPs have signed the motion, making it the most supported in this Parliament, following Wednesday’s State Opening.
The wording of EDM 31 is as follows:
That this House recognises that the static caravan and associated industries make a significant contribution to the UK economy; notes that more than 3 million trips were taken in owned caravans in 2010, contributing £334 million to UK tourism particularly in rural and coastal areas; notes that UK static caravan manufacturers make more than 95% of those sold in the UK; notes that more than 7,000 people work directly for manufacturers and suppliers in addition to 26,500 employed directly by holiday parks; notes that the sale of static caravans is an important element in the survival of holiday parks; notes that the Government estimates the imposition of VAT on static holiday caravans will reduce demand by 30%; is concerned that such a tax would have a devastating effect on jobs, on UK tourism, on investment and on growth; and therefore calls on the Government to reject plans for a static holiday caravan VAT change.
