The Isle of Wight’s tourism and hospitality sector took centre stage at the Conservative Party Conference this week, as East Wight MP Joe Robertson addressed delegates from the main stage.
Mr Robertson – who also serves as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Shadow Culture, Media and Sport team – was asked by a party member what more could be done to support the tourism, leisure and hospitality industries across the UK.
He replied:
“Tourism in this country is one of the most overtaxed sectors across Europe. What we have seen today is a fantastic announcement from [Shadow Chancellor] Mel Stride earlier that will be a 100 per cent permanent business rate relief for the hospitality and leisure sector. That is one very, very significant thing a new Conservative government would do to support the sector.”
The East Wight MP went on to criticise the Labour Government’s recent National Insurance changes, which he said unfairly capture more part-time workers and hurt young people.
Mr Robertson claimed:
“For a lot of young people, especially in my area on the Isle of Wight, their first job is in tourism and hospitality. And the Government, through the last budget, have disincentivised employing young people. Bad for young people, bad for the local economy and bad for tourism.”
Meanwhile, Conservative Hampshire and Solent Mayor candidate Donna Jones told a packed conference audience that, if elected next year, she would campaign to secure ferry powers within her remit.
Ms Jones said:
“I will demand government hand over regulatory powers and ensure accountability over prices and performance.”
Mr Robertson also took aim at the Island’s ferry operators, accusing them of harming local tourism through high costs and poor service.
The best way to help tourism on the island.
No.1 cheaper and more reliable Ferries.
No.2 stop charging 50p to use toilets
No.3 stop charging motorists a nightly parking charge of
£2 along seafronts
No.4 stop letting hotels etc change their use to private
flats
Take for example the old Wight City complex
there use to be a cafeteria, ice cream concession,
gift shop, bingo, arcade, pub, nightclub, holiday flats and a 2 day a
week weekly market in the car park.
NOW IT IS UGLY LOOKING PRIVATE APARTMENTS
By changing use it took away many jobs that the island
needs.
You cannot compel something to remain open if not enough people use it to make it viable.
True, but it could have been run by the Council
creating more jobs too!
Unfortunately hotels are closing more and more on the island. Due to the lack of tourist. No one can afford to run a hotel that are only using 5 out of there 20 rooms. They can afford to pay staff, business rates, council tax electric etc. So the owners reluctantly have to close down and sell up.
The Government is to blame for what is happening
in the economy.
Let’s hope their next budget in November is not the
final nail in the coffin for more businesses and jobs
losses.