Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Pubs: Tax System

Tuesday 5 September 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Katherine Fletcher asked about tax relief measures for pubs in South Ribble, highlighting their role as community hubs.
  • The Minister responded that all pubs in England and Wales will benefit from the Brexit pubs guarantee, providing duty relief on a pint sold in a pub.
  • Tim Farron asked the Minister to meet and discuss a tailored workforce solution for the hospitality industry in Westmorland and Lonsdale.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Katherine Fletcher
Economy Taxation Business & Trade
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

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.

Answered
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Q2 Katherine Fletcher
Taxation Brexit
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

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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Q3 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Employment Children & Families
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

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.

Not addressed: Specific meeting request for a tailored package addressing workforce shortages

How: Changing Subject To Childcare Policy

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