Tourism VAT cut set for Parliament debate

Parliament will debate tourism and hospitality VAT in Westminster Hall on 11 February.

The first ever House of Commons debate on tourism VAT will take place in Westminster Hall on Tuesday 11 February from 9:30am to 11:00am.

It will focus on whether the government should cut VAT for tourism and hospitality businesses to 5 per cent, down from the current high rate of 20 per cent.

Round table​

The debate was scheduled by a group of MPs who took part in a round table organised by Cut Tourism VAT in London last month.

Cut Tourism VAT, which is supported by over 3,500 hospitality businesses and associations, is encouraging everyone in the industry to send a letter to their MPs ahead of the debate.

The campaign has published a template letter calling on MPs to support a reduction in VAT on tourism accommodation and visitor attractions as a first step.

'Important opportunity'​

Graham Wason, chairman of Cut Tourism VAT, said: “This is the first ever debate focused exclusively on tourism VAT in Parliament and is an important opportunity that industry must take advantage of.

“The Campaign is working with all of our supporters to encourage MPs to take part next Tuesday and to raise aware of the strong economic evidence behind the case for a reduction.”

British Hospitality Association chief executive Ufi Ibrahim said the forthcoming debate was proof that even the smallest grassroots campaign could be effective.

“Every letter, every conversation, every mention of the importance of hospitality and tourism, and the potential to drive additional wealth and jobs through a competitive VAT rate gets us one step closer to the prize,” she said.