Mark wrote the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 7th May in support of Early Day Motion 31 which calls for the Government to drop the proposed VAT charge on static caravans. Mark, who does not sign EDMs on principle and never has, sent his letter before the motion was even formally announced to Parliament.
In his letter the local MP registers his support for the EDM saying that the VAT charge "is likely to have a detrimental effect on the UK manufacturing and tourism industry and specifically the caravan park industry in Wyre Forest". He is yet to receive a reply.
The full text of Mark's letter can be found here.
The text of EDM 31 is as follows:
That this House recognises that static caravans and their associated industries make a significant contribution to the UK economy; notes that more than three million trips were made in owned caravans in 2010, contributing 334 million to UK tourism particularly in rural and coastal areas; further notes that UK static caravan manufacturers make more than 95 per cent of those sold in the UK and that more than 7,000 people work directly for manufacturers and suppliers in addition to 26,500 employed directly by holiday parks; believes that the sale of static caravans is an important element in the survival of holiday parks; further notes with concern that the Government estimates the imposition of VAT on static holiday caravans will reduce demand by 30 per cent; is concerned that such a tax would have a devastating effect on jobs, UK tourism, investment and growth; and therefore calls on the Government to reject plans for a static holiday caravan VAT change.