Dave Thompson, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has welcomed the UK Government’s U-turn on levying 20% VAT on static caravans.
Today, the Tory-Lib Dem Coalition has reversed the decision to increase the VAT on static caravans from 0% to 20% and instead will only increase the levy to 5%. Earlier this month, Mr Thompson wrote to Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and accused the UK Government of discriminating against first time buyers and hindering tourism by imposing a static caravan tax.
Mr Thompson said, “The UK Government has finally awoken to the public outcry against the shambolic Budget and done a partial U-turn on levying 20% VAT on static caravans. Instead of 20% VAT, there will still be a 5% VAT, which is still more than I would like to see. This partial U-turn indicates just how out of touch and lost the UK Government is.
“The VAT on static caravans could have a substantial detrimental impact on the tourist industry, which is the greatest contributor to the Highland economy, as well as discriminating against first time buyers who cannot afford to get on the property ladder and choose to live in a static caravan. Ideally I would like to see the VAT reduced even further, back to the original 0%.”
< Prev | Next > |
---|
This website was established while I was a Member of the Scottish Parliament.
Promoted and published by Ian Anderson on behalf of Dave Thompson, both at Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch SNP, Thorfin House,
Bridgend Business Park, Dingwall IV15 9SL. Website designed and hosted by Craig Mackay Design