Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Business Support: Rural Areas

Thursday 13 March 2025 · 1 question

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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Jamie Stone asked about steps to support rural businesses, particularly regarding VAT rates and a potential tourism levy.
  • The minister offered to meet Jamie Stone to discuss the issues in more detail.
  • The meeting will allow the minister to hear specific concerns from the hospitality industry.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Business & Trade Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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.

Question

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.

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific steps or commitments regarding VAT rates for tourism businesses beyond offering a meeting.

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