Weston MP leads calls to cut VAT and reform business rates for pubs and restaurants

Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare and Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Hospitality and Tourism, has joined MPs from across Parliament in urging the Government to take decisive action to support pubs, restaurants, and hospitality businesses ahead of the Budget on 26 November.

In a joint letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the APPG outlined the urgent need to reduce VAT from 20% and reform the business rates system, arguing that the current tax regime is stifling investment, job creation, and the recovery of high streets across the country.

The call follows a series of evidence sessions held by the APPG in late October, where businesses from across the hospitality sector, including pubs, hotels, night-time venues, and leisure operators, spoke “with one voice” about the challenges they face and the opportunities that could be unlocked with the right policy support.

The letter said; “Over the summer, we have also heard directly from hospitality and tourism businesses in our constituencies across the country. From rural pubs and seaside hotels to city-centre restaurants and visitor attractions, the message was consistent: rising costs and a high tax burden are holding back investment, job creation and the recovery of local high streets.”

It also warned that these pressures are likely to worsen with the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill, and highlighted that the hospitality sector faces some of the highest property taxes in the UK, making up almost 10% of total business rates, despite accounting for just 3% of qualifying businesses.

Dan Aldridge MP who has been a vocal advocate for Weston's local businesses, said: “From the cafes on our seafront to the pubs that are the heart of our communities, Weston’s hospitality sector is vital to our local economy. But rising costs, staff shortages, and unfair taxes are pushing too many businesses to the brink. Reducing VAT and fixing the broken business rates system would give them the breathing room they desperately need to thrive again.”

"As Co-Chair of the APPG for Hospitality and Tourism and a member of the Business and Trade Committee, I’m determined to make sure voices from towns like Weston are heard loud and clear in Westminster. The government must recognise hospitality’s role in job creation, skills, and growth - it’s one of the UK’s greatest assets.”

“Hospitality is the beating heart of Weston-super-Mare’s economy. Supporting it isn’t just good for business - it’s essential for our community and our town’s future.”

Mr Dan Aldridge and other MPs are calling for the Government to;

· Cut VAT for hospitality venues from 20% to a lower rate.

· Overhaul the business rates system to create a fairer playing field for pubs and restaurants.

· Recognise the hospitality sector’s role in the UK’s growth and skills strategy.