Beat the VAT rise at South Wales caravan and motorhome show

There’s a big chance coming up to beat the Government’s controversial decision to slap VAT on static caravans.

The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show 2012 will showcase some of the leading caravans.

“And it’s a really big chance to get ahead of Chancellor of Exchequer George Osborne and his VAT plans,” said show organiser and promoter Lois Gibbon.

“It’s fair to say there has been a storm of controversy over the Chancellor’s plans, which were announced in the last Budget.

“Caravan manufacturers are upset because they fear it will hit sales. Holiday park owners are worried it could also hit their tourism industry.

“The big debate about VAT on caravans is still raging this week and there are plenty of lobby groups both inside and outside Parliament trying to get George Osborne to change his mind.

“You can’t help but feel that Mr Osborne has made his mind up, however.

“In which case, this is the ideal time to get ahead of the game and invest in a static caravan which can deliver years of fun for families.”

The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show 2012 is being staged at Carmarthen’s United Counties Showground from May 11 to 13.

“It will showcase the very best in caravans and motorhomes,” added Lois.

The Chancellor’s plan to hit static caravans with the standard 20 per cent rate of VAT will come into operation on October 1.

It could also have an effect on some larger touring caravans, to go along with the previously zero-rated static caravans.

A caravan that is ‘designed and constructed for continuous year-round occupation’ will still be zero-rated, and exempt from the VAT, but all other static caravans will be taxed at the standard rate, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Touring caravans ‘which are under seven metres long are already standard-rated’, HMRC adds, but some of the larger models could be subject to standard taxing as well.

With a few months remaining until the new system is put into place, caravanners looking to buy a static caravan or large tourer should look to complete their purchase before October, so as not to pay the new higher rate of VAT.

HMRC estimates the new tax will impact around 50,000 individuals purchasing static caravans each year, a number that will of course increase if larger touring caravans are included as well. In total the government expects to make £45 million over the next five years from this tax.

The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show is celebrating its sixth year.

“In terms of scale, it’s the biggest annual event at the showground and one which has appeal for all the family,” said Lois Gibbon.

“Visitors will get to see the latest in the caravan and motorhome industry, but there will plenty of other attractions, including a display of classic vehicles by the Towy Valley Vintage Club.

“A major ‘first’ this year will be the appearance of The Fly Heli Wales team, who will be offering breath-taking helicopter rides from the showground.”

The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show 2012 runs between 10am and 5pm on May 11-13. Admission is £5 (concessions £4) with free parking. Four-night camping is also available priced at £30. For details contact Daffodil Events on 01570 470783.

Weblinks: http://daffodilevents.co.uk/, http://daffodilevents.co.uk/caravan-motorhome-show/

Twitter: @daffodilevents, Facebook: Digwyddiadau Daffodil Events

Press release issued by Robert Lloyd on behalf of Daffodil Events.