LONDON OVERSIGHT THREATENS SCOTTISH TOURISM

LONDON OVERSIGHT THREATENS SCOTTISH TOURISM

STRONG SNP VOICE TO STAND AGAINST TOURISM’S BURDEN

Delegates at the SNP Campaign Conference in Aviemore have given their full
backing to the Scottish tourism industry and sent a resounding message to
the UK Government that the abolition of a vital rates relief scheme is
unacceptable.

Conference passed by acclaim a resolution by Angus MP, Mike Weir, which
calls on the UK Government to immediately reverse the decision to scrap
furnished holiday lets relief which will be deeply damaging for tourist
businesses in Scotland.

Commenting Mr Weir said:

"The 6000 small holiday letting businesses across Scotland are a vital
part of Scottish tourism sector and contribute a great deal to our rural
economy - but scrapping tax relief for these local firms will prove
disastrous for many.

“Labour’s technocratic stitch-up will cause Scottish businesses to suffer.
It simply cannot be allowed. The UK Government must see sense and reverse
this absurd decision.

“This scheme highlights the totally warped priorities of a UK Government,
prepared to give greater tax relief to buy to let landlords who have
priced first time buyers out of the housing market but are fixed on
introducing changes that will seriously damage many small tourist
businesses.

“A strong SNP voice at Westminster after the election would champion the
Scottish tourist industry and fight against cuts to furnished holiday lets
relief. More Nats at Westminster will mean less cuts and, crucially, more
Nats at Westminster will work for a better deal for Scotland.”