Concerns raised over UK 'family holiday tax'
Dubbed the "bed tax", the local tax would be added to existing rates and VAT paid by such establishments, leading to fears that the charge could add as much as £100 to the cost of a family holiday.
On Wednesday the Tories launched a campaign against the tax in Brighton, claiming that the plan could leave many avoiding British holidays and could potentially hurt the British tourist industry.
"The brilliant summer weather has shown what a great place Britain is to spend a short break or a holiday," said shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport Hugo Swire MP.
"But the great British holiday is under threat from a 'bed & breakfast stealth tax' - Gordon Brown's latest money-making ploy. There's nothing wrong with choosing to travel abroad, but no-one will benefit from making British holidays a rip-off."
In addition, the party claims that the tax would have no effect on reducing council tax, and would hit lower-income families the hardest.
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02.08.2006.