MPs call for tax cut and more to support region’s recovery

MPs from across Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire are calling on the Government to take action to support the regional economy.

One area of the economy, the All Party Parliamentary Group for Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire (APPG) is focusing on, is the £9bn tourism sector.

The group is calling on the Chancellor to cut VAT on tourism to 5 per cent, which research by Deloitte and Tourism Respect previously found would contribute an extra £4.6 billion to HM Treasury over ten years and create 121,000 jobs.

Alongside the VAT cut the group highlights that in the capital a London Transition Board is being co-chaired by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Mayor of London. It calls for a similar body to be created in the region, and for a cabinet minister to be given responsibility for working with the Yorkshire Leaders’ Board to develop a clear and coherent plan for the region’s recovery.

The group’s proposals also includes a package of measures designed to support the region’s economy including calls for; a green recovery, a boost to spending on Research and Development, the development of a future jobs fund and a financial package to support the region’s higher education institutions.

The co-chairs of the APPG, Huddersfield MP, Barry Sheerman and Thirsk and Malton MP, Kevin Hollinrake, said: “With the country beginning to move out of strict lockdown measures it is vital that everything possible is done to get the Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire economy back firing on all cylinders.

“Our plans contribute to a roadmap that would help to achieve this. We call on the Government to work with local authorities, businesses and others in the region to put in place the actions needed to ensure that economic recovery is as rapid and painless as possible.”