PM Cameron 'listening to caravan tax concerns' - MP
PRIME Minister David Cameron has met with Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart to discuss the impact of the controversial caravan tax.
Mr Stuart has met with Mr Cameron and the Chancellor George Osborne as part of his campaign to overturn plans to introduce VAT on static caravans for the first time.
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'THOROUGH REVIEW': Graham Stuart says the Government is 'continuing to listen to the arguments' over plans to introduce VAT on static caravans. Picture: Jerome Ellerby
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David Cameron
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'CONSTRUCTIVE TALKS': Graham Stuart.
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East Yorkshire MPs are campaigning against the introduction of VAT on static caravans.
The talks follow a joint formal presentation of petitions on behalf of 64 constituencies opposing the caravan tax that took place in Parliament on Tuesday night.
Tens of thousands of names were included in the petitions calling on the Government to ditch the caravan tax, which experts predict will put up to 7,000 jobs at risk.
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Mr Stuart said: "I am delighted to confirm that the Government, at the highest levels, is continuing to listen to the arguments before deciding the right way forward on the caravan tax.
"I had a good and constructive conversation with the Prime Minister, who acknowledged our concerns and emphasised what a thorough and proper review was taking place.
"The Government is right to probe every area of taxation and expenditure, given the toxic legacy left by Labour.
"This consultation and review is being taken forward in an exemplary fashion and I remain optimistic that we will achieve the right outcome for East Yorkshire and the country as a whole."
Hull North MP Diana Johnson has pressed the Government on when MPs will be given a second opportunity to vote on the issue.
Ms Johnson voted against the original motion which was put before the House of Commons last month.
The motion was defeated but reduced the Government's majority to its smallest since the tutition fees vote last year.
MPs understood that a second vote would be held on the issue after the end of the consultation on May 18 once the Finance Bill returns to the Commons later this summer.
But a minister has refused to give reassurances that a second vote will take place.
Speaking during business questions, Ms Johnson said: "I understand that private assurances have been given to coalition members by Treasury ministers that the caravan tax issue will return to the floor of the House. Can the leader of the House confirm that is correct?
"A number of coalition MPs who voted for the caravan tax presented petitions against it on Tuesday this week and I would like them to be given the opportunity to vote against it on the floor of the House."
In response, leader of the House Sir George Young said: "A large number of members presented petitions on behalf of their constituents, which is a perfectly proper thing to do. It is a matter for the House authorities what amendments are selected when the Finance Bill comes back to the Floor of the House and, indeed, what amendments are proposed in committee."
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Comments
by netsuke
Sunday, May 27 2012, 9:21AM
“What is wrong with paying VAT on static caravans ? It has to be levied on most things we buy !”
by Defarge
Sunday, May 27 2012, 7:49AM
“I'm afraid that politicians often have a different definition of 'listening' to the rest of us.
I know it isn't very nice, poor Thicky Downraters - but it is true.”
by Suzannah100
Sunday, May 27 2012, 7:10AM
“I have never been a follower of the Tory party, but I have to say at least David Cameron is prepared to listen to us ordinary folk. He has backed down on other issues in the past, this may be one of them. I can't remember any Labour politician backing down on anything when they were in power.”
by smartguy1
Saturday, May 26 2012, 8:36PM
“I heard Cameron speak on this subject. He said he just wanted a level playing field (saying of the condems for 2012) and basically said he couldn't see the difference between a touring caravan and a static. He is obviously not as bright as he would appear and hasn't done his homework. Maybe he should have googled 'differences between static and touring caravan' or maybe just asked a company who makes both to confirm not only the differences but intended uses.
It's interesting to see how angry Cameron is getting when speaking in the House of Commons and calling Ed Milliband a muttering idiot is very unprofessional.”
by balddick
Saturday, May 26 2012, 2:53PM
“I wonder if Stuart had to pay into the tory coffers to see Cameron. I thought thats the only way you could influence the un-elected pr@@k. Just ask Murdoch! Cue the "he must be a left winger brigade"”
by Defarge
Saturday, May 26 2012, 11:34AM
“I'm afraid that politicians often have a different definition of 'listening' to the rest of us.”
by David_Nivea
Saturday, May 26 2012, 11:12AM
“The tax on static caravans remains only a proposal, which means that, apart from currently not being levied, it might well not even be implemented.”
by smartguy1
Saturday, May 26 2012, 9:51AM
“At least he's listening. I am not a Cameron fan but if he backs down on this my respect for him will increase tremendously. It is very important for the people who work in the caravan industry for the VAT to be scrapped. One interesting point though is that VAT is paid in all of the EU countries, does anyone know if there is VAT on static caravans made in Germany, France etc.”