Families facing a £5,000 fine for taking a foreign holiday can simply spend the same amount on a short break on the Suffolk coast.
Rentals and hotels in the posh seaside towns of Southwold and Aldeburgh are sky-high and out of reach for most hardworking families.
Along with pricey food and drink, the cost of a short break will soon rocket to the cost of a two-week holiday in the Med.
UK mum Lorraine Fisher, 34, said: “It will be cheaper to fly to Majorca with the kids and have a great week or two of guaranteed sunshine, cheap booze and food.
“Even with the £5,000 fine thrown in, it will still be better value than staying in the posh Suffolk resorts.
“And let’s be honest, you can’t exactly predict the Suffolk coast weather in the summer, can you?”
But locals in Southwold and Aldeburgh say the prices are high to keep people like Ms Fisher away. And if they want to experience Aldeburgh, they can buy something Aldeburgh-related on Amazon.
“We don’t want her type around here,” said Aldeburgh retired banker Steve Walsh. “I expect her husband drives a white van and wears those tight vests.
“Aldebrugh and Southwold are reassuringly expensive to keep the riff-raff out.”
British Tourist Board officials pointed out that Ms Fisher could still very much enjoy a staycation on the Suffolk coast by staying in Lowestoft for a fraction of the price.
A spokesman said: “Lowestoft Town Council is actually paying people to come and stay in the resort this year.”
Buy a mug made in Suffolk
Our Suffolk Gazette mugs are useful for drinking your tea and coffee when you are not abroad on holiday. Order now from the Dirty Old Goat website, or direct from the items below. They make great gifts…