SNP MPs will pile pressure on UK government to cut VAT for businesses
The SNP has called for a cut in the rate of VAT for the tourism and hospitality sector to boost business and grow the economy.
Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes MSP, will make the call during a campaign visit to Glasgow today (Friday).
The SNP manifesto, launched earlier this week, reaffirmed the party’s position in support of a lower rate of VAT, and has said it would stimulate a ‘win-win-win’ for the hospitality and tourism sectors and the economy as a whole.
A number of industry bodies have already come out in support of the SNP manifesto pledge to cut VAT for tourism and hospitality.
Commenting, Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes MSP said:
“Cutting VAT for businesses would be a win-win-win for hospitality, tourism, and the wider economy.
“In the last few years, hospitality and tourism businesses have been battered by the Covid pandemic and they are still being battered by Brexit – it’s time that Westminster gave these businesses a break by finally cutting VAT.
“These businesses are the backbone of the Scottish economy and they urgently need support – not more austerity, Brexit and a cost of living crisis – all inflicted by Westminster.
“The Scottish Government is doing what it can to support businesses, including removing rates for 100,000 small businesses with the small business bonus, bringing in the ‘New Deal’ for business, and encouraging people to support their neighbourhood enterprises with the ‘Shop Local’ campaign.
“On July 4th, a vote for the SNP is a vote to back business, back the tourism and hospitality sectors, and always put Scotland’s interest first.”