Hospitality Sector Glastonbury and Somerton 2025-12-11
2025-12-11
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted concerns from constituents, particularly a student named Maeve who highlighted the pressure on local businesses. The constituency has many hotels and restaurants facing an average rates increase of 76% without transitional support.
Earlier this week I met children from Ilchester community primary school. Maeve, who is in year 6, told me her No. 1 concern is the pressure on local businesses. Glastonbury and Somerton has many wonderful hotels and restaurants, like the Hollies in Bower Hinton, but many will face an average rates increase of 76% from April without transitional support. What action is the Minister taking to prevent a crisis in the hospitality sector and ensure that businesses like the Hollies can thrive?
We absolutely recognise the significant contribution made by hospitality businesses to economic growth and social life in the UK, including the hon. Member’s constituency. With the temporary pandemic business rates relief coming to an end and the first independent revaluation since the pandemic taking effect next April, we are putting in place a £4 billion support package, so that most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest. We inherited support schemes that the previous Government had put in place with no funding for them to continue.
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Assessment & feedback
The minister did not specify any additional action beyond the general support package and caps on rate increases, which may be insufficient given the 76% increase concern raised by constituents.
Response accuracy