Thank you for contacting me about supporting our pubs.
Pubs were hard hit by national lockdown measures, and are now being hit again by rapidly rising costs caused by high inflation. Many people have expressed serious concerns for what lies ahead for pubs. I share those concerns.
Along with other South West MPs, I have campaigned for further support for our critical hospitality industry, including on VAT and business rates. I have ensured that the new Chancellor is aware of the level of concern here in the constituency about the future of some of our best-loved local pubs and of calls to help further.
I campaigned for VAT reductions for the hospitality, and was very pleased that VAT was reduced to 5 per cent until the end of March 2021, with VAT repayments through a new scheme deferred until March 2022. My view is that in light of the very difficult economic conditions we are seeing now in the wake of Putin's war in Ukraine, the Government needs to look again at a similar scheme for pubs and indeed the wider hospitality industry to see them through this year and next.
I can assure you that I will continue to campaign for our local pubs that are so important to our local economy and to our communities.
Thank you for taking the time to contact me.
