Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Hospitality Industry

Thursday 21 May 2026 · 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

  • John Whittingdale questioned the Government on the impact of the overnight visitor levy on hospitality businesses, noting existing pressures from higher costs.
  • The Government acknowledged the challenges faced by hospitality firms and stated it works to lower energy bills and monitors economic impacts.
  • Jonathan Brash raised concerns about licensing rules for the world cup, suggesting the need for uniform late licences for all games. The minister committed to working with colleagues on the issue.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Whittingdale Con Maldon
Economy Energy Business & Trade
Context

The Swan Hotel, Bar and Grill in Maldon faces significant pressures due to higher energy costs, increased national insurance contributions, and business rates. The hospitality businesses are concerned about further increases leading to their inability to survive.

Question

Despite the Government's support, hospitality businesses in my constituency are facing real pressures from higher energy costs, increased national insurance contributions, and business rates. They warn that any further increases will be fatal. Why is the Government pushing ahead with an overnight visitor levy? Will she consult businesses before proceeding?

Answer from Kate Dearden

Decisions on the overnight visitor levy are made by mayoral authorities. They will consult closely with local businesses. The Government recognises pressure on pubs, hospitality firms, and breweries due to cost increases. We monitor potential economic impacts and work to lower energy bills for households and businesses. A new regulatory framework will help spot issues early and protect consumers, working closely with businesses going forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about the overnight visitor levy was not directly addressed beyond acknowledging it is a local decision.

How: Acknowledging Issue But Not Committing To Further Action

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Q2 John Whittingdale Con Maldon
Economy Energy Business & Trade
Context

The Swan Hotel, Bar and Grill in Maldon faces significant pressures due to higher energy costs, increased national insurance contributions, and business rates. The hospitality businesses are concerned about further increases leading to their inability to survive.

Question

Despite the Government's support, hospitality businesses in my constituency are facing real pressures from higher energy costs, increased national insurance contributions, and business rates. They warn that any further increases will be fatal. Why is the Government pushing ahead with an overnight visitor levy? Will she consult businesses before proceeding?

Answer from Kate Dearden

Decisions on the overnight visitor levy are made by mayoral authorities. They will consult closely with local businesses. The Government recognises pressure on pubs, hospitality firms, and breweries due to cost increases. We monitor potential economic impacts and work to lower energy bills for households and businesses. A new regulatory framework will help spot issues early and protect consumers, working closely with businesses going forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about the overnight visitor levy was not directly addressed beyond acknowledging it is a local decision.

How: Acknowledging Issue But Not Committing To Further Action

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Q3 Jonathan Brash Lab Hartlepool
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The British Beer and Pub Association, with over 20,000 members including Camerons Brewery in Hartlepool, raised concerns about licensing restrictions during the World Cup. Other parts of the UK permit late licences for all games, but England and Wales only allow it for matches against England or Scotland.

Question

The British Beer and Pub Association has raised issues with licensing rules for this summer's football world cup, where other regions allow late licences for all games but in England and Wales it's limited to England and Scotland games. Will you make representations to your ministerial colleagues about allowing late licences for all matches?

Answer from Kate Dearden

I thank my hon. Friend for raising an important point about licensing rules during the world cup. His suggestion is really important and we will work closely with colleagues across Government on this matter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not directly addressed beyond acknowledging it's a priority and working with government colleagues.

How: Acknowledging Issue But Not Committing To Further Action

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