The Conservative party has launched a campaign to save the great British holiday, backing Caterer’s fight against a bed tax.

Based on similar taxes in other countries, the Conservatives claim such a levy, which would be in addition to existing business rates and VAT on hotel bills, would add £100 a week to the cost of a family holiday in Britain.

Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, Hugo Swire MP, and Shadow Minister for Local Government, Eric Pickles MP, are today in Brighton in a “Save the Great British Holiday” ice-cream van handing out lollies and postcards to promote the issue.

In the afternoon they will also visit Bournemouth in Dorset.

Swire said: “The brilliant summer weather has shown what a great place Britain is to spend a short break or a holiday. But the great British holiday is under threat from a bed & breakfast stealth tax.”

A bed tax is being considered in England as part of Sir Michael Lyons review of local government funding. The tax rate per hotel room will be set by individual local authorities. It is likely to range between 5-10% per room per night.

Lyons will produce his final report by Christmas this year.

The issue is also alive in Scotland with the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group (ETAG) having suggested introducing a visitor tax to raise money for marketing the city.

Swire revealed the Tories support for our campaign back in June when he spoke out against a bed tax at a UKInbound Parliamentary reception.

His support followed an early pledge to oppose any bed tax by the Liberal Democrats.

For more news, comment and letter on Bed tax visit the home page here >>

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Report reveals disastrous cost of bed tax >>

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Industry protests against plans for Scottish bed tax >>

By Chris Druce

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