Backing the venues at the heart of our communities

As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality and Tourism, I have spent the past two years making the case for meaningful business rates reform. Throughout that time, hospitality businesses have delivered one consistent message: soaring costs are putting livelihoods, jobs and cherished local venues at risk.

Today, that message has been heard.

From April, pubs, clubs and live music venues will benefit from a 20% reduction in business rates - a significant step that will provide much-needed relief for thousands of businesses across the country.

Here in Blackpool, hospitality is part of our identity. Our pubs, social clubs, entertainment venues, hotels and family-run businesses are the backbone of our local economy, creating jobs, attracting visitors, supporting supply chains and bringing communities together. This reform will help give many businesses the confidence to invest, grow and continue serving their communities.

This announcement should mark the start of a new chapter for hospitality and tourism.

The business rates reforms announced today are a significant breakthrough, but they cannot be the final destination. We must now build on the previous Chancellor’s Great British Summer Savings and deliver a permanent lower rate of VAT for the sector.

As Chair of the APPG for Hospitality and Tourism, I will continue leading the campaign for further reform - including a permanent lower rate of VAT, wider business rates reform and a long-term strategy that gives businesses the confidence to invest, create jobs and grow.

The Prime Minister is right to say this is just the beginning of backing the venues at the heart of our communities. I intend to ensure it is only the first step in a wider programme of reforms that unlocks the full potential of hospitality and tourism as one of Britain’s greatest economic success stories.