English bed tax still under consideration
A bed tax could still find its way on to the statute books, hospitality leaders have warned.
Despite not being mentioned in last week's interim statement, Sir Michael Lyons is still considering implementing the tax as part of his review of local government funding.
Bob Cotton, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association (BHA), said: "The only reason Sir Michael Lyons is considering a bed tax is because the Local Government Association wrote to him requesting that he specifically look at it in his review."
Lyons is currently considering a range of options, according to Craig Beaumont, public affairs manager at Visit London.
"He will now listen to feedback, study evidence and work on pilot schemes with a handful of councils before his full report to ministers in December," said Beaumont.
"This report will put forward different options for Government to consider."
Caterer will deliver all signed petitions to the Lyons Inquiry next month to ensure Government knows the strength of feeling against a bed tax. The more petitions the better, so please keep sending them in to register your objection to the tax.
So far, 1,850 readers have supported our campaign to Say No To Bed Tax. If you haven't signed up yet then log on now.
Last week Caterer urged readers to get in touch with their local MP to register their opposition to a bed tax.
By completing the letter, which we drafted with the help of the BHA, readers ensure that their MPs are aware that a bed tax would harm hospitality businesses in their constituency.
To use our drafted letter click here to download a PDF of the letter and fill in the gaps before sending it off to your local MP.
If you need to find out who your local MP is, then log on to www.locata.co.uk/commons and type in your postcode.