FURNISHED HOLIDAY LETTINGS

That this House notes with concern the impending changes in the taxation rules affecting operators of furnished holiday lets; believes that the changes will significantly reduce the ability of operators to make major or even minor capital investments in their businesses; further believes that holiday lets are a vital part of the tourism industry bringing significant income to the economy of areas such as the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales and are wholly distinct from second homes that often remain empty for most of the year; and calls on the Government to scrap its plans to disadvantage the holiday let sector through changes in the tax rules and instead to give its support to this important sector of Britain's tourism industry.