VAT rate in the hospitality sector

Early day motion 525, tabled 18 October 2021 by Carla Lockhart (DUP). Signed by 16 members.

That this House recognises the ongoing impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the hospitality industry; acknowledges that the VAT reduction to 5% was a lifeline for the sector and is disappointed that this rate cannot be maintained beyond 30 September 2021; appreciates that a 12.5% rate is of real benefit in supporting the industry; recognises the industry is also experiencing unparalleled rises in the cost of doing business with utility costs having risen by over a third, food inflation running well beyond the reported 4% level, and with additional transport costs driving up the overall cost of consumables; and therefore calls on the Government to extend the 12.5% rate of VAT beyond March 2022, to at least September 2022, to enable the sector to continue to recover from the impact of covid-19.

Signatures by party: DUP 5, Scottish National Party 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Labour 2, Green 1, Liberal Democrat 1.