Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Night-time Economy

Thursday 31 October 2024 · 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Paul Kohler asked the Minister about steps to support the night-time economy facing challenges such as labour shortages and increased costs.
  • The Minister advised businesses to consider measures from the previous day's Budget, including long-term reforms of business rates starting in 2026-27.
  • Rachael Maskell requested a meeting with the Minister to discuss issues faced by pubs, including the pubs code and rising crime.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Paul Kohler Lib Dem Wimbledon
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The hospitality industry, a key part of the night-time economy, is facing significant challenges including post-Brexit labour shortages and high business rates.

Question

What steps are being taken to support the night-time economy given its critical role in local economies and communities, especially with ongoing issues such as labour shortages, debt from covid, inflation, and increased national insurance costs?

Answer from Gareth Thomas

Businesses are advised to look at measures taken in yesterday's Budget, including long-term reforms of business rates from 2026-27. For example, an average pub with a rateable value of almost £17,000 will save over £3,300 next year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: National insurance costs and doubling of business rates were not addressed specifically.

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Q2 Paul Kohler Lib Dem Wimbledon
Taxation Business & Trade
Context

The hospitality industry is struggling due to labour shortages, debt from the pandemic, and high business rates.

Question

What advice would the Minister give to the hospitality industry and businesses facing a hike in national insurance costs and an increase in last year's business rates?

Answer from Gareth Thomas

Businesses are advised to look at measures taken in yesterday's Budget, including long-term reforms of business rates from 2026-27. For example, an average pub with a rateable value of almost £17,000 will save over £3,300 next year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: National insurance costs were not addressed specifically.

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Q3 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Crime & Law Enforcement Culture, Media & Sport
Context

Employers in traditional pubs are struggling due to the non-functioning pubs code and concerns about antisocial behaviour.

Question

Will the Minister meet me and the Campaign for Pubs to discuss how we can improve things for those businesses facing challenges with the pubs code and rising crime?

Answer from Gareth Thomas

The Minister will be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss measures taken in the Budget aimed at cracking down on antisocial behaviour, which is a concern for pubs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting specifics were not committed to fully.

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