MP in caravan tax contradiction (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

MP in caravan tax contradiction

7:10am Wednesday 25th April 2012 in Letters

LIKE me, I’m sure that readers will be astounded to learn that after our MP Mark Garnier used these pages recently to raise his profound concern about the Government’s ‘caravan tax’, he went on, later that same evening, to vote in favour of the VAT hike in Parliament!

In his View from Westminster column, he said that raising VAT on static caravans “could have a detrimental effect on our local tourist economy” as “increasing the cost of caravans can only decrease the demand for them”.

However, this opposition to the caravan tax voiced so strongly in The Shuttle was not reflected in his contribution to the parliamentary debate. When he was able to speak, he appeared to support the Government’s plans, saying the “VAT changes are broadly sensible reforms”.

I’m sure we’re all left wondering why he says one thing in the local paper, but another to parliament. How can our MP face two ways on one issue in the matter of a few hours?

Mark Garnier could have sent a clear message to the Government on behalf of his constituents, the struggling caravan industry and the area he represents.

TOM KING Cutty Sark Drive Stourport