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First Minister Carwyn Jones attacks the proposed new “Caravan Tax”

First Minister Carwyn Jones has attacked the proposed new “Caravan Tax” and linked it with other recent introductions of single taxes by the Westminster Government- such as the infamous “pasty tax”.

“This particular tax will affect the tourism industry in Wales; we know that there are a number of caravan sites and that there will be an effect on the number of caravans on those sites in future, which will affect tourism. We also know that this will affect manufacturers in future. It is another example of an ill-thought-out policy that the UK Government attempted to slip past the people of Britain.

“How many more taxes can the budget introduce? The party opposite is keen on presenting itself as a party of tax cutters, yet we have the caravan tax, the so-called granny tax and the pasty tax,” he said. “All of these things were brought in and slipped under the noses of the public.

Rebecca Evans (Mid and West Wales) had said that the holiday caravan and mobile home industry was a key driver of tourism in west Wales. “The industry is concerned about the UK Government’s proposals to add VAT at 20% on sales of all new caravans. The holiday tax could mean that one job is lost for every 15 pitches left vacant. Will you join me in calling for these plans to be put on hold, at the very least, until a robust impact analysis has been undertaken to determine the effect on the caravan industry, the manufacturing industry and on tourism more widely?”

Former Plaid Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said he shared the concerns and asked if the First Minsiter would write to Chancellor George Osborne to ask him to reconsider. Mr Carwyn Jones said he would.