Matt Vickers

Matt Vickers

Conservative — Stockton West

Speaking in the House of Commons on 3 September 2025

Debate

Hospitality Sector

Contribution

The hon. Member for Tipton and Wednesbury (Antonia Bance) should not shake her head—that is true. It is a fact. In the last Parliament, I campaigned for the 75% discount on business rates for leisure, hospitality and retail businesses. It was game changing for many, but with the stroke of a pen, the Chancellor stood at the Dispatch Box and ended that lifeline thrown to many employers. With the average pub having seen its business rates increase from £3,938 to £9,451, and the average restaurant from £5,051 to a whopping £12,122, the Government are taxing the sector to death. Two hospitality businesses are closing every day and it is thought that more than—

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