SNP MPs call on Treasury to reduce VAT on tourism
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has joined his SNP parliamentary colleagues in calling for the Chancellor to review VAT on tourism.
The group of SNP MPs have asked for new research to be commissioned by the Treasury to look at how reducing the current rate would act as an encouragement to help grow one of Scotland's most important industries.
In the letter the MPs point out that in the last five years the tourism and hospitality industry in Scotland has reached a point where it now accounts for about 7% of total employment - and that there are concerns that the high rate of VAT is holding back potential for growth.
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:
''Tourism is vitally important to the economy of Renfrewshire and Scotland, and it’s crucial that we build upon that success and encourage further growth in the sector. The Treasury must revisit the issue of VAT as it relates to tourism. High rates of VAT are a serious challenge to the industry and we know that in countries where it has been reduced - there is clear evidence that tourism and the wider hospitality business thrives. Tourism in the UK is consistently held back by our uncompetitive tax environment.
''I have joined my SNP parliamentary colleagues in sending a letter to the Chancellor and calling on the UK Government to work with the tourism industry on how best to address our lack of competitiveness - and look at the evidence about how reducing VAT acts as a spur.''
