DWYFOR Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts says a cut to VAT could boost her constituency’s economy by £6m.

The Plaid Cymru MP (pictured) says the youth employment in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd could be lowered and the local economy would benefit from a £6m boost if the government took action to cut VAT in the tourism industry.

Mrs Saville Roberts believes measures to support the tourism sector could play a pivotal role in tackling the rate of youth unemployment across Wales and create over 4,000 direct hospitality jobs in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd.

She said: “Dwyfor and Meirionnydd rely heavily on tourism and are rightly acknowledged as some of the best places to visit for outdoor recreations, boasting some of the finest attractions in the country, with north Wales attracting the largest share of overnight GB tourists on holiday.

“Whilst tourism operators are calling for a cut in VAT to help their businesses, the government refuses to budge, going against independent advice from industry experts.

“A reduction in VAT would be a big help from a tourism point of view, and would be a welcome step towards boosting the economy and job creation within the industry, especially amongst young people who make up nearly half of all those employed in the sector.

“Independent research shows a five per cent cut in VAT on tourism would boost the economy in Dwyfor Meirionnydd by £6m, contributing towards 4,000 direct jobs and nearly 200 industry-related jobs.

“The unemployment rate in my constituency currently stands at two per cent with youth unemployment marginally lower at 1.9 per cent.

“A cut in VAT in the tourism industry would boost employers’ ability to pay better wages, giving a much-needed boost to regional economies.

“It would also go some way to address the issue of low pay which is associated with some aspects of work in the tourism industry.

“Cutting VAT would create demand and help facilitate investment in an industry which is the UK’s biggest employer of young people.”