Mary Kelly Foy

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Dr Huq. I am proud to represent so many outstanding hospitality businesses. Whether it is the Kingslodge Inn off Flass Street, Daisy Rose Coffee House in Cheveley Park, Adventure Valley in Brasside or the many other independent cafés, pubs and attractions across my constituency, hospitality businesses contribute enormously to community life. Hospitality is one of the UK’s largest employers, supporting 3.5 million jobs and providing vital opportunities for young people. For many, hospitality businesses provide that crucial first opportunity to gain skills, confidence and work experience, helping them to build long-term careers. In Durham, hospitality is also central to our visitor economy. People come to enjoy our UNESCO world heritage site, which includes the magnificent Durham cathedral and castle, to attend events such as the Miners’ Gala and the Durham Fringe Festival, to enjoy performances at the Gala theatre and to experience everything that our fantastic city has to offer. At a hospitality roundtable I hosted, many businesses raised concerns about costs and competitiveness, particularly around the UK’s VAT rate for hospitality, which is higher than that of many European countries. As businesses continue to face significant pressures, it is right that we consider how the tax system can best support growth, investment and jobs. I welcome the Government’s commitment to delivering growth in every postcode and supporting our high streets. Will the Minister outline what assessment has been made of the impact of current VAT arrangements on hospitality employment and investment? What consideration has been given to the role VAT policy could have in supporting local economies and regeneration in the city of Durham?