Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Hospitality Sector 2026-07-02

Thursday 2 July 2026 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial support for the hospitality sector includes lower business rates and a 4.3 billion support package over three years.
  • The Government inherited an economy with deep scars from the previous Conservative administration.
  • Titanic Brewery in Stoke-on-Trent has faced challenges due to tied pub arrangements, impacting independent breweries.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew George Lib Dem St Ives
Economy Taxation Business & Trade
Context

The hospitality sector faces significant business failure risks due to high tax burdens.

Question

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?

Answer from Kate Dearden

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: VAT and corporation tax issues were not directly addressed

How: We Inherited An Economy With Deep Scars, All Taxes Are Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Andrew George Lib Dem St Ives
Economy Taxation Business & Trade
Context

The question follows up on concerns about the hospitality sector's tax burden.

Question

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?

Answer from Kate Dearden

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific issues of VAT and corporation tax were not directly addressed

How: We Inherited An Economy From The Conservatives With Deep Scars

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Mike Reader Lab Northampton South
Taxation Business & Trade
Context

A Northampton-based pub company faces challenges due to rising business costs and requests a VAT cut.

Question

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?

Answer from Kate Dearden

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: VAT reduction request was not directly addressed

How: We Are Absolutely Committed To Working With The Industry

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Max Wilkinson Lib Dem Cheltenham
Economy Culture, Media & Sport
Context

England fans may miss out on pub opportunities due to licensing hours.

Question

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?

Answer from Kate Dearden

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 Gareth Snell Labour (Co-op) Stoke-on-Trent Central
Business & Trade Parliamentary Procedure
Context

An independent brewery faces market access difficulties due to tied pub arrangements.

Question

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?

Answer from Kate Dearden

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Market access scheme specifics were not directly addressed

How: I Look Forward To Continuing To Engage

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)