George congratulates caravan tax campaigners

Andrew George MP has congratulated those who successfully campaigned against controversial plans to introduce a 20% VAT charge on all static caravans.

Mr George, who voted against the Government on its proposals; helped deliver petitions to Parliament and also made representations to Treasury Ministers, said he was delighted that the Government had backed down.

It was announced this week that the Government will now only be applying five per cent VAT to static caravans. They had been previously exempt from the tax since the 1970s. The tax increase will not come into force until April next year.

Mr George said: “It has been a week for back tracking. First the ‘pasty tax’ and now, thankfully, it has also revised its plans for static caravans.

“The potential job losses were likely to be even greater than the estimated 1,100 Cornish jobs at threat if the pasty tax went through as proposed.

“The fear was that these changes would have had a detrimental impact upon the number of visitors and on employment both in holiday parks and the many businesses which are indirectly supported by tourism.

“The Government had this one wrong and I’m pleased they’ve parked their caravan somewhere else. I will be writing to all those who supported the campaign to pass on my thanks for their support in campaigning against these proposals.”

 

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