MPs call on government to provide more support for hospitality and tourism industries
(Image credit: Steve Baker)
South Dorset MP Richard Drax has backed calls for more government support for the hospitality and tourism industry.
In a letter to the chancellor, Drax joined other MPs in calling for “a clear pathway for business rates in England by April 2026”.
“I am adding my name to this letter because reform is vital,” he said.
“While the hospitality and tourism industries have benefited from government help during and after the pandemic, new pressures include rising energy bills, rising wages and difficulties recruiting staff.”
“We ask the Chancellor to address the unfair business rates system in the Budget. Despite the extension of business rates relief, the sector remains significantly overtaxed compared with online or out-of-town businesses. Figures from the Office for National Statistics This is shown to be up to £2.4 billion more than the ‘fair share’ each year.”
“These businesses are the lifeblood of constituencies like South Dorset. If we lose them they are gone forever. We need long-term reform and legislation to ensure the unfair burden on the ‘bricks and mortar’ hospitality sector is relieved.”