WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has spoken up for tourism businesses facing yet another tax hike as the Government plans to tax overnight stays.
Dame Harriett warns that the policy would have a devastating impact on the local tourism sector. Hospitality bosses have said the measure could cost a family upwards of £100 extra for a two-week holiday.
The tax would be implemented by locally-elected mayors, but local government in West Worcestershire remains in limbo after reorganisation plans were shelved last month.
Thousands of visitors are drawn to West Worcestershire each year to experience the Malvern Hills, the Three Counties Showground, Malvern Theatres, Upton’s music festivals and local stately homes.
Dame Harriett said: “Our local hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and bars are already struggling to make ends meet under Labour’s approach of taxing businesses more and more to pay for benefits.
“After squeezing hospitality venues and tourist attractions with increased Business Rates, Minimum Wage and National Insurance, and Inheritance Tax, Labour has invented a new tax to hit local businesses with.
“The Overnight Visitor Levy has already been imposed in Manchester and now the Prime Minister to wants to extend it across the country.
“The cost will have to be passed on to guests, of whom many will be put off by the price increase. With the cost of living already spiralling, my worry is this will drive vital tourism revenue away from our area, cost local jobs, harm growth and kill off the Great British holiday.”