Proposed Visitor Levy 2025-04-30
2025-04-30
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP referenced the Welsh bottle deposit scheme's issues and concerns about increased costs for Welsh tourism. He also mentioned a review of the UK internal market that aims to ease business across regions.
With the Welsh bottle deposit scheme going down the same disastrous dead end as the Scottish bottle deposit scheme, and now more costs are being added to Welsh tourism, making staycations more expensive, the Government appear to be creating a hostile environment for business. Add in the review of the UK internal market, which is meant to make doing business across this great land of ours easier. Why are the Government loosening the bonds of our great Union?
Wales is the second-best recycling nation in the whole world. The answer referenced the environmental context without addressing the specific concerns about the visitor levy or business environment.
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Assessment & feedback
Impact of proposed visitor levy and review of UK internal market on Welsh tourism and businesses
Changed Subject To Recycling
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted concerns from the Welsh hospitality sector about a tourism tax that could lead to a loss of over £250 million. She also questioned the funding decision for the western gateway scheme.
Attacking the Welsh hospitality sector with the Welsh Government’s disastrous tourism tax is supposedly a good plan, yet their impact assessment warns of a potential loss of over a quarter of a billion pounds of taxpayers’ money. Meanwhile, last week Labour pulled the plug on funding for the western gateway, a vital scheme focused on boosting the Welsh economy. Can the Secretary of State now explain to taxpayers what the £205 million will actually do for Cardiff airport, and does she regret both Governments’ decisions? Today, the chief executive officer of Bristol airport has openly voiced huge concerns about the Welsh Labour Government’s decision to spend the money on Cardiff airport, with no obvious benefit or transparency—a move costing each Welsh household an additional £300.
Investment in Cardiff airport is a matter for the Welsh Government. I recognise the importance of Cardiff airport to the economy of the South Wales region, with thousands of jobs stemming from the airport and the economic ecosystem supported by it. Airlines such as Tui and Vueling have recently added several new destinations and extra flights from Cardiff airport. In light of the Welsh Government’s sustained support for Welsh tourism, I am delighted to welcome today’s news that Tui is expanding its services at Cardiff, with more new routes and an increase in flights to places such as Tenerife and Mallorca.
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Assessment & feedback
Details on what the £205 million will do for Cardiff airport and any regrets over decisions
Emphasised Positive Aspects Of Investment Without Addressing Specific Concerns
Response accuracy