Autumn Budget 2024 implications for Holiday Parks
The British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) has published a package of measures which it hopes will be addressed by the Government in its autumn budget.
The body, which represents the owners of around 3,000 parks across the UK, says the reforms are aimed at supporting regional economies, jobs, energy targets and lower-cost housing.
Representing 3,000 Holiday Parks in the UK
BH&HPA has made its submissions to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves in advance of the Government’s budget announcement due on 30 October.
Director General Debbie Walker says that BH&HPA has also met with Government ministers and MPs to outline the far-reaching benefits its measures would bring.
The proposals are being made on behalf of both holiday parks, and also residential parks which provide more reasonably priced accommodation mainly for people in or near retirement.
4 Key Areas for Reform
- Planning
- VAT
- Energy reforms
- Skills gaps
“We are focussing on four key areas to which reforms could be implemented with no loss to the Exchequer, and a very definite gain for the country as a whole,” said Debbie.
“For example, changes to the planning system could increase the ability of holiday parks to expand and develop, and bring additional investment into the sector.
“The changes could also increase the supply of good quality housing available on residential parks to older people who want to downsize, freeing up much needed bricks-and-mortar family homes.
“We are also urging the Government to create a fair and competitive tax environment that encourages domestic tourism and recognises its huge value to all types of local businesses.
“At present, VAT levies make it harder for parks to compete on a level playing field with other countries where tourism businesses are shielded from the highest tax rates.
“A similar lowering of VAT for UK tourism enterprises would also help keep holidays more affordable for people already battling cost of living rises,” said Debbie.
BH&HPA’s proposed energy reforms include expanding grid capacity to enable more parks to embrace sustainable technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.
It is also keen for the Government to address skills gaps in rural and coastal communities by providing long-term training and employment opportunities for people of all ages.
Debbie says that October’s budget will be an excellent opportunity to introduce changes that will put the industry on the fast-track to greater growth.
Fast-Track Greater Growth in the Holiday Park Sector
Association members will have a chance to digest the implications of the budget on 4 November (12 noon – 1pm) during a webinar arranged by BH&HPA with tax advisers RSM.
A recent independent economic survey revealed that UK holiday parks and campsites generated £12.2bn of visitor spending in 2022/3.
This figure represents a £7.2bn gross value add (GVA) to the UK’s economy with the parks sector supporting more than 226,700 full-time equivalent jobs.
