Northumberland parks budget plea: protect region's holidays and jobs

Camping sites and holiday parks in Northumberland are urging the Government to use this Wednesday's budget to back their vital role in supporting tourism and local economies.

Through their trade body, the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA), they are calling for licensed parks to be exempt from proposed visitor levies in England.

They warn that the so-called tourism tax could discourage families from taking a domestic holiday and reduce vital visitor spending in destinations across the region.

The proposed tax of £2.00 per person a night – which includes children – would add more than £100 to the cost of a fortnight's break for a family of four.

Any decline in visitor numbers, they say, would have far-reaching consequences for local businesses that depend on tourism, from shops and restaurants to attractions and service providers.

HARPA, which represents around 3,000 UK holiday and residential parks, says targeted policy changes would unlock further investment, create jobs and help parks deliver even greater benefits for communities and visitors alike.

In its budget submission, HARPA has also highlighted other reforms that would help parks invest, grow and modernise.

These include creating a fairer business rates system to encourage investment rather than penalising it, providing stronger support for green energy projects, and helping businesses develop workforce skills.

HARPA director-general Debbie Walker said: "Parks make a significant contribution to economies and communities across the UK. They support local jobs, attract visitors, provide quality housing options and help sustain businesses in many coastal and rural areas.

"There is a real opportunity in this week's budget to create the conditions for further growth, investment and innovation across our sector.

"With the right policy framework, parks can continue to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits for communities throughout the country while helping to drive growth in 2027 and beyond."