Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Business Support Rural Areas 2025-03-13

2025-03-13

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Jamie Stone LD
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
▸ Context
Jamie Stone discussed the impact of VAT on tourism businesses and concerns about potential additional levies imposed by local councils. He highlighted the importance of these industries to the local economy.
What steps are you taking with Cabinet colleagues to support businesses in rural areas, particularly concerning the rate of VAT on tourism businesses and the possible imposition of a tourism levy? Although I do not expect a cut in VAT, I would be grateful for a meeting to discuss these issues further.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
I am happy to meet Jamie Stone to discuss the issue in more detail. I recognise that there is considerable interest in this question from the hospitality industry, so a meeting will allow us to hear particular concerns expressed to him.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific steps or commitments regarding VAT rates for tourism businesses beyond offering a meeting.
Response accuracy