Mark welcomes change to caravan tax rise

Mark Garnier welcomes the news that the proposed 20% VAT charge on static caravans has been revised down to just 5%. The news comes just a week after Mark presented a 'No to Caravan Tax' petition to Parliament on behalf of the Wyre Forest caravan industry.

Speaking about the news, Mark said:

"I am very pleased that the Government has decided to rethink its proposal to charge 20% VAT on the sale of static caravans. I have said all along that, whilst it is perfectly reasonable to address anomalies in the tax system, this tax would have had a detrimental impact on the UK manufacturing and tourism industry and specifically the caravan park industry in Wyre Forest. That is why I wrote to the Chancellor urging him to drop the proposals as well as making my own submission to the Government's consultation.

"This rethink is a clear sign that the Government has listened to the arguments put forward on both sides and I am delighted with their decision."

Mark's letter to the Chancellor and submission to the VAT consultation can be found on his website.

(Date of this article: 29th May 2012)