Hospitality Sector 2026-07-02
2026-07-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The hospitality sector faces significant business failure risks due to high tax burdens.
What steps are being taken to support the hospitality sector? The sector is at risk of substantial business failures in 12 months due to heavy taxes just to survive, not succeed. Will the Minister review VAT and corporation tax issues before a catastrophe occurs?
We inherited an economy from the Conservatives with deep scars, and hospitality thrives when our economy grows. The Government supports businesses closely through measures like lower business rates and a £4.3 billion support package over three years. All taxes are under review for wider objectives.
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Assessment & feedback
VAT and corporation tax issues were not directly addressed
We Inherited An Economy With Deep Scars
All Taxes Are Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows up on concerns about the hospitality sector's tax burden.
I am not crying wolf, but the hospitality sector faces a high risk of substantial business failure in 12 months due to heavy taxes just to survive. Will the Minister look again at this issue with Treasury Ministers before catastrophe occurs?
Unfortunately, we inherited an economy from the Conservatives with deep scars. The hospitality sector thrives when our economy grows and people have money to spend. We are committed to supporting businesses closely.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific issues of VAT and corporation tax were not directly addressed
We Inherited An Economy From The Conservatives With Deep Scars
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
A Northampton-based pub company faces challenges due to rising business costs and requests a VAT cut.
The McManus Pub Company runs 18 pubs and employs 370 people. Business costs have made it harder to turn a profit in the past five years. The company has asked for a VAT reduction to 10%. What message does the Minister have for family businesses like this?
We support businesses closely through measures like lower business rates, a £4.3 billion support package over three years, and engagement with industry. We are committed to supporting the sector's growth and resilience.
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Assessment & feedback
VAT reduction request was not directly addressed
We Are Absolutely Committed To Working With The Industry
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
England fans may miss out on pub opportunities due to licensing hours.
Harry Kane's heroics mean many England fans are looking forward to matches. Pubs risk missing an opportunity if Ministers do not make a blanket extension to licensing hours. Will Ministers consider this with other Departments?
Pubs can stay open for an extra two or three hours depending on match start times, but not on Sunday due to the 1 am start. We are backing our pubs to watch and support England.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
An independent brewery faces market access difficulties due to tied pub arrangements.
Titanic Brewery in Stoke-on-Trent makes a fabulous pint. However, tied pubs insist that landlords buy their products, making it difficult for independent breweries. Could the Minister make an announcement on the access to market scheme before the summer recess?
I thank my hon. Friend for his continued engagement. I was delighted to meet him recently, and I look forward to continuing to engage as the Government consider the evidence ahead of any announcements.
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Assessment & feedback
Market access scheme specifics were not directly addressed
I Look Forward To Continuing To Engage
Response accuracy