UKH urges govt to protect industry following King’s Speech
The bills outlined by the King included the carryover of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bills and Martyn’s Law
UKHospitality has urged the government to ensure there are measures in place to protect hospitality businesses from the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, following the King’s Speech yesterday (7 November).
The bills outlined by the King included the carryover of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bills, which aims to tackle fake reviews, and Martyn’s Law, which will receive a new consultation on the standard tier for venues with a capacity of 100 to 799 people.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKH, said: “While there is, rightly, a clear focus on consumers, we are continuing to urge the government to ensure there are measures included to also protect businesses affected.
“With the speech noting the government’s commitment to pursuing free trade deals, we will continue to make the case for Youth Mobility Schemes to be included as part of those deals and for the government to pursue stand-alone agreements with appropriate nations.”
She added: “Most pressing is the looming rise in business rates next April, which will drop an almost billion-pound bill on the sector. An extension of relief and a freeze in the multiplier is essential for the sector to continue doing what it does best – creating jobs, driving economic growth and investing in communities.”
The speech also featured the emphasis on continuing to improve the economic outlook and Nicholls expects the Autumn Statement to include action on “other critical areas” for hospitality businesses.
