MP calls on Government to review 'bed taxes'

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 27th Mar 2006

Local MP Tim Farron has expressed his concern at the idea of a 'bed tax'. Tim has already written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to make his feelings known, and has now submitted a written question to The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The question reads:

'What assessment has he made of the Lyons Inquiry recommendation that people staying in hotels and B&Bs should pay a bed tax and the implications of these recommendations on the profitability of these business and submissions from the Cumbria Tourist Board and Lakes Hospitality Association who claim these recommendations will further reduce the competitiveness of the British tourism industry'.

Tim commented: "I believe that a tourism tax, if introduced, would be damaging to the local economy. Tourism in this area has suffered greatly over the last decade and needs time to recover. I am concerned that a tourism tax would deter people from coming to the area, local business needs a helping hand, not a kick in the teeth. I have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to express my concern and hope this written question will make the Government seriously review the idea".