Brits may have to pay a brand new tax when heading to UK campsites, hotels and BandBs as MPs are reportedly ‘considering’ the new scheme – which could raise an estimated £1billion
Brits’ holiday dreams could be in trouble as the Labour Party is “considering” slapping a new £12 per night tourist tax on UK stays to tackle a Budget deficit. From those seeking a staycation fix to overseas visitors, the new levy could potentially tap travellers for an extra quid at their camping plots right up to an eye-watering £15 add-on at posh five-star retreats—a scheme that could bolster the Treasury’s coffers by a cheeky estimated £1 billion.
And when probed about the whispers of this fresh fee, the Treasury said: “We do not comment on tax speculation outside of fiscal events.” Looks like both Brits and international guests will be coughing up for this potential tax pinch.
Top hotel boss Sir Rocco Forte didn’t mince his words on the matter, chiming in with a stark rebuke: “Travel and tourism is one of the most vital parts of the UK’s economy, contributing over £250billion a year to the UK’s GDP and supporting 3.5million jobs.”
He didn’t stop there, railing against what he dubbed a “pernicious new tax charged on top of all other taxes. The UK is already not a cheap destination,” the industry heavyweight added, voicing concerns from the hospitality sector, reports Birmingham Live.
Meanwhile, the TaxPayer’s Alliance echoes the billion-pound boon figure this bold move could mean each year.
A Treasury insider has revealed that the Chancellor has called for an economic and fiscal forecast from the OBR, set for March 26, to check if they’re hitting their fiscal targets. “Difficult decisions have already been taken on spending,” the source from the Treasury disclosed, noting that funds will be channelled into the PM’s Plan for Change, which aims to “boosting growth to put more money in working people’s pockets.”
This news drops just as Chancellor Rachel Reeves is due back at the Treasury after her trade jaunt to China, with the markets gearing up for a fresh start following last week’s punishing bond market turmoil and some crucial economic updates on inflation and growth on the horizon.
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