Pubs Tax System 2023-09-05
2023-09-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by concerns about the financial health of pubs and their importance in local communities. The tax system's impact on pubs is a focal point.
What steps his Department is taking to help support pubs through the tax system, acknowledging the role of pubs as community hubs and economic drivers?
We are ensuring that pubs remain a key part of our local communities by providing support through the alcohol duty and business rates systems. That includes a new draught relief that provides a significant duty discount on alcohol sold on draught in a pub, and the expanded retail, hospitality and leisure relief means more than £10,000 in relief for the average independent pub.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question follows a busy summer where the MP engaged with constituents and visited local pubs. The financial relief provided by government policies is discussed.
After speaking to people in South Ribble, I have often popped into local pubs such as the Croston's Wheatsheaf, which serve as community living rooms and vital hubs for activities like housing MP surgeries. These pubs are crucial for communities; will they benefit from specific tax relief measures?
As you know, Mr Speaker, I regard Lancashire as my home, and it would be a delight to return to South Ribble. My hon. Friend has named just a few of the roughly 37,000 pubs in England and Wales—All those pubs will benefit from the Brexit pubs guarantee, which means that the duty on a pint sold in a pub will always be lower than in a supermarket.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The hospitality sector is facing a severe workforce shortage, with 86% of businesses citing staff recruitment as a major issue. The question seeks to address this through bespoke solutions.
Following the previous questions on pubs' importance and financial relief, I have visited all the mentioned pubs in Westmorland and Lonsdale where staffing is a critical problem. Will the Minister meet me and representatives of the hospitality industry to discuss a tailored solution for workforce shortages?
I would go further and give as an example the truly transformational programme that the Chancellor set out at the spring Budget to transform childcare policy in this country. We know that childcare responsibilities hold back many people from entering the workforce, and it is through policies such as this, as well as the work being led by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to help people back into the workforce, that will help pubs in the hon. Gentleman's constituency and across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific meeting request for a tailored package addressing workforce shortages
Changing Subject To Childcare Policy
Response accuracy