A victory on VAT!
As we went to press, details were emerging about the Government’s embarrassing climb-down on its proposed ‘caravan tax’. Like most of the industry, we were dismayed by the Chancellor’s plans to levy a 20 per cent tax on holiday caravan sales and strenuously backed the bid to thwart this move. I’m happy to report that, after weeks of sustained lobbying by home manufacturers, park operators, trade bodies and MPs, the Government has decided to reduce this ill thought-out levy from 20 per cent to just fi ve. While the imposition of this tax is still not ideal, it’s reduction will save jobs and ensure that sales and production fi gures of caravans and lodges do not nose-dive. It is said that this decision could cost the Government up to £30m. But make no mistake: the long-term cost to our industry of a 20 per cent tax would have been much more costly. Huge credit must go to all those who came together at short notice to force a Government rethink.
The Government may be slightly confused about the best ways to encourage British manufacturing, growth and jobs, but PH&HC will continue to support progress in mobile home manufacture and campaign for parks up and down the country as our super July issue illustrates. This month, we bring you reviews of no fewer than four new homes from some of the UK’s most innovative and pioneering manufacturers.
We’re also taking our regional roadshow to Lancashire, reviewing four outstanding park home estates in the Red Rose County. Enjoy!
Alex Melvin, Editor
Email: phhc.ed@kelsey.co.uk
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