Air tax reforms could help Tories to win back younger voters, claims think-tank
SCRAPPING TAX on flights for under-30s could help the Conservatives win back younger voters lost to Labour, a free-market think-tank has said.
The Government should reform the so-called Ibiza Tax, the Air Passenger Duty paid by those over the age of 16 but under 30, which would reduce the cost of air travel and make it easier for young people to travel and work abroad, the Adam Smith Institute said.
It accused the Tories of “neglecting” the young in the face of a generational rift on issues such as housing, while Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was credited with capitalising on the youth vote during the General Election.
Sam Bowman, Adam Smith Institute executive director, said: “It isn’t easy being young in Britain.
“Houses are mostly unaffordable, rents are high and most highquality jobs are in the most expensive parts of the country. For all but a very lucky few, times are tough.
“But the Conservatives have ignored this and ignored the concerns of young voters, both neglecting their wellbeing directly and taking positions that are badly out of touch in areas like animal welfare and openness to immigration.
“Today’s paper should start a conversation in the Government and the Conservative Party at large about how to win back some of the younger voters lost to Corbyn, both in terms of specific policies that might improve young people’s prospects.”