Shevaun Haviland suggests a U-turn on the tourist tax by opening the door

Support: British Chambers of Commerce boss Shevaun Haviland

Shevaun Haviland, the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), believes that there is an opportunity for the government to scrap the tourist tax after lobbying a key adviser to Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister’s aide Franck Petitgas.

Haviland expressed her full support for the Mail’s campaign to reverse the levy and has discussed the issue with Franck Petitgas, stating, “We 100% agree with you on that.”

Over 320 prominent business figures are calling for a return of VAT-free shopping for overseas visitors, arguing that the economic benefits would outweigh the lost tax revenue.

The London Chamber of Commerce, part of the BCC’s regional network, has been advocating for the tax to be scrapped since last year.

Haviland mentioned her conversation with Franck Petitgas, saying, “It seems an easy win for them and it’s not clear to me as yet why they’re not going down that path. He really, really listens, he’s very engaged, and he’s obviously talked to a lot of stakeholders. I do think that they are thinking about it – the door is ajar.”

This further supports the idea that the government is reconsidering its stance on the tourist tax. Last week, The Mail on Sunday reported that Treasury officials requested new data on the tax’s economic impact.

Earlier this year, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt stated that a U-turn would be too expensive, costing £2 billion annually. However, the impact on businesses affected by lost custom may not have been adequately considered. This appears to have been acknowledged by officials seeking a new assessment.

Opponents of the tax claim that reversing it would bring a net gain of £350 million. Several business leaders have endorsed the Mail’s campaign, including Burberry chairman Gerry Murphy.