Regional firm up in arms over ‘bed tax’
Firm urges business community to take a stand
South West-based accountancy firm Bishop Fleming is calling on business
leaders to present a united front against the government’s proposed ‘bed tax’.
The tax – a charge of up to 10% added to all hotel bills – is one of the
ideas that is expected to be proposed when the Lyons Inquiry publishes its
findings later this year.
Brian Payne, Bishop Fleming’s chief executive, urged the business community
to speak out against the idea now – before the findings are revealed.
Payne said: ‘As an industry worth £4.5bn a year to the South West economy, it
is impossible to overstate the importance of tourism to the region and its key
attractions.
The levy is expected to increase an average UK family holiday by £100,
according to the Exeter Echo.
The tourism and accommodation industries are opposed to the idea.