Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay, has today expressed his disappointment at Cornwall Council’s decision to levy a ‘surf tax’ on businesses operating from beaches owned by the authority.
Commenting Steve said:
“When the Full Cornwall Council voted against this measure, which could mean considerable extra costs to these vital businesses, it went back to council officers and was subsequently put before Cornwall Council’s cabinet I was disappointed that the Cabinet have voted this unpopular measure through, without putting the decision back in the hands of the full democratic body of the council.”
“I think this is the wrong decision and more-so Cornwall Council have reached it in entirely the wrong way”.
“Along with their closure of public toilets and slashing of funds for Visit Cornwall this is yet another example of the Liberal Democrat/Independent administration at Cornwall Council’s apparent declaration of war against the tourist industry, something which is so important not just in our constituency but across Cornwall as a whole.”
“Although I am not part of Cornwall Council’s decision making process I am acting on behalf of the people of St Austell and Newquay to let Cornwall Council know the sheer strength of public opinion against their decision.”
“I will continue to support tourism and work hard with colleagues both here in Cornwall and in Westminster to ensure that inappropriate decisions are challenged wherever possible and that right and sensible outcomes are reached for the betterment of residents and visitors alike.”