A local Senedd member has condemned what she claims is the increasing rise of ‘anti-tourism rhetoric’, amid the suggestion that people owning caravans and chalets at Welsh holiday parks should be subject to paying council tax.

In response to the suggestion made during a debate on Gwynedd's setting of the council tax premium by Councillor John Brynmor Hughes, Janet Finch-Saunders was quick to make her feelings known

Speaking against the proposal, she said:  “The owners of these caravans usually pay our local holiday parks an annual fee of several thousand pounds, including contributing to the overall business tax bill. They are an essential asset that ensures the parks’ longevity and invest in our region. 

“Beyond spending their hard earned money in local hospitality and retail establishments, these individuals are also a crucial link of support for a our service sector, paying local employers for everything from electricity checks to gas delivery. 

“I will continue to confront the misguided and rising anti-tourism rhetoric. Only last month were we rightfully celebrating the hard work and benefits of such businesses at the Go North Wales Awards. We cannot let this be undermined by short-sighted interventions in the market.” 

The Non-Domestic Rating (Caravan Sites) Regulations 1990 see that holiday parks which are deemed to fall within the legal definition of a “caravan site”, meaning that they include some property which is not domestic and have an area of 400 square yards or more, are generally considered to be one taxable unit on the non-domestic rating list. 

Welsh Government and Mr. Brynmor Hughes has been approached for comment.