Oral QuestionTreasury

What recent assessment she has made of the potential merits of reducing VAT for the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland.

Tabled: 4 March 2026Answered: 10 March 2026

Asked by

Claire Hanna

Social Democratic & Labour PartyBelfast South and Mid Down

Answering Minister

the Chancellor of the Exchequer

Answer from Hansard

The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Dan Tomlinson)

The Government recognise the important contribution that hospitality businesses make to communities across the UK, including in Northern Ireland. Reducing VAT rates, or applying different VAT rates within the UK, would add complexity and come at a significant cost to the Exchequer.