MPs and industry bodies call for tax relief for the hospitality industry a year from Brexit
MPs and industry bodies have repeated calls for tax reductions to provide support for the hospitality industry as Brexit looms.
As the countdown ticks down towards the UK's departure from the EU, UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls said: "Hospitality is the third largest private sector employer and a key driver of the economy, with the ability to provide growth and stability for the UK outside of the EU. Following the Brexit vote, UKHospitality lobbied hard and fast to gain the right to remain for workers that are key in augmenting our workforce. We continue to work closely with the Government to achieve outcomes that will safeguard food and drink supply chains and prices.
"We will also explore how post-Brexit Britain can further prosper from our new autonomy to create positive commercial environments for hospitality businesses through our taxation system, via VAT, and levelling the playing field between traditional and digital businesses."
Conservative MP Nigel Evans is among those adding their names to calls for VAT reductions in pubs and restaurants as the UK prepares to leave the EU.
The MP for Ribble Valley has said the hospitality sector must be taxed at a level that ensures its continued prosperity.
He said: "We need to make sure that we do everything we can to ensure our pubs and restaurants have a fair deal on tax to remain competitive and that they are able to thrive.
"Pubs, bars and casual dining outlets are essential engines of economic growth and the fact that our departure from the EU means that the government can now impose reduced levels on VAT on the sector.
"I hope my colleague the Chancellor of the Exchequer will grab this chance with both hands."
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