East Wight Conservative MP, Joe Robertson, has led calls in Westminster for more support for tourism and hospitality, calling on the Government to “make amends” for the impact of the Chancellor’s 2024 and 2025 Budgets.
Ferry costs and green tax in the firing line
Mr Robertson also referred to the high cost of ferry travel to the Isle of Wight and repeated his calls on the Government to scrap plans to add a green tax to the ferry crossing between Portsmouth and Fishbourne.
The debate took place in Westminster Hall, a small chamber in Parliament which debates topics chosen by backbench MPs, in the East Wight MP’s name. Government Ministers and Shadow Ministers are required to attend and respond and all MPs have the opportunity to try and speak within time limits.
Local successes and a notable closure
Mr Robertson praised local hospitality innovation on the Island, citing The Point in Bembridge and the Sandown Boulevard street food market, but lamented the recent closure of The Bugle in Brading as a consequence of the increase in taxes paid to Government over the last two years and other cost increases.
Youth unemployment and the visitor levy
During a sixteen minute speech, Mr Robertson blamed changes in national insurance and minimum wage rules for the surge in youth unemployment and called on the Government to scrap it’s plans for an overnight visitor levy, or “tourism tax”.
Mr Robertson said:
“Youth unemployment is now higher than the period coming out of Covid-19. The Government’s hike in National Insurance, introducing it to more part time work and reducing the competitive advantage of employing young people through minimum wage changes, has made it worse for young people’s employability.”
He went on to say:
“The proposed overnight visitor levy is the wrong policy at the wrong time. In coastal communities where summer trading is what keeps businesses viable through the winter, the damage would be concentrated and severe.
“UKHospitality suggests that one in five people would be deterred from booking a domestic holiday by an increase in prices.
“The Government should be finding ways to encourage people to holiday in the UK instead of going abroad, and not adding further charges. Coupled with the introduction of the ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme) charge on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne route, these additional charges are hampering an industry which is already struggling.”
Government response
Employment Minister Kate Dearden responded by saying that the Government would publish its Visitor Economy Growth Strategy “shortly” which would be an “ambitious, long-term plan.”
On the overnight visitor levy she said she, “recognises the strength of feeling” and that it would be a power for Mayors and “subject to consultation with local stakeholders.”
News shared by the office of Joe Robertson, in their own words. Ed
