VALUE ADDED TAX AND BEER DUTY

Early day motion 150, tabled 23 November 2009 by Greg Mulholland (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 34 members.

That this House notes that value added tax (VAT) is due to rise back to 17.5 per cent. following the recent cut; is concerned that this increase will not be offset by a lowering of duty on alcohol; is further concerned that an eight per cent. increase in duty is pending, and will effectively off-set any benefit pub owners have received from the fall in VAT; regrets that this will result in yet another increase in the price of beer and other beverages which will be to the detriment of the pub industry; recognises that approximately 52 pubs are closing each week in the United Kingdom and that several factors are already negatively affecting the industry; and calls on the Government to lower the duty on beer sales to help the troubled pub industry in this country and on pub-owning companies and breweries to pass the benefit on to licensees who will be able to pass this on to the consumer and actually assist pubs.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 15, Labour 13, Conservative 4, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.