Oral Question·Department for Business and Trade
“What steps he is taking to support the hospitality sector. ”
Tabled: 10 July 2025Answered: 17 July 2025
Asked by
Christine Jardine
Liberal Democrat — Edinburgh West
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Answer from Hansard
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade (Gareth Thomas)
We recognise the vital role hospitality plays in driving growth and strengthening all our communities. That is why we have committed to permanently lower business rates for the sector from 2026-27 and announced a hospitality fund to co-invest in projects that boost productivity and help community pubs adapt to local needs. It is also why we have launched an industry-led licensing taskforce to reduce red tape and other barriers.