Minister backs October bank holiday
A NEW bank holiday in October could be created to help the British tourist industry after the Culture Secretary offered his support.
Oliver Dowden said it is an “excellent proposal” after being informed it could raise an estimated £500m for the economy.
The Minister also told the Commons: “One of the challenges we will have is getting the sector up and running as strongly as possible in the summer and extending it for as long as we can.
“This is a matter that I am discussing with my colleague, the Business Secretary.”
Patricia Yates, the acting chief executive at Visit Britain, told MPs last month an October bank holiday around the half-term break would “extend the season” for the tourism industry.
Mr Dowden yesterday said he will be “at the forefront of championing the campaign for British tourism” once the sector is ready to reopen.
And he said the Government’s target remains for this to happen in England “by July 4”.
Pressed on the financial hardship that workers in seaside towns are facing with the lack of visitors, he added that he is working with the Chancellor Rishi Sunak at “looking at further measures”.
Tory former
Minister Tim
Loughton said research has shown that workers in seaside towns are “being laid off at the fastest rates of any areas of the UK”.
He asked Mr Dowden to look at options for the sector to open sooner, especially outdoor premises, and a potential reduction in VAT to five per cent.
Mr Dowden replied: “I’m working closely with my colleague the Chancellor and we will be looking at further measures.”