UKHospitality welcomes new APPG report on business rates
The document called for urgent action to reform the current system.
UKHospitality has expressed support of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality’s (APPG) report that urged reforms of the current outdated business rates system.
The trade body says the report highlights “the unfair nature of the current system that sees the hospitality sector [being] hit disproportionately hard”, whilst drawing links between rates and the overall tax “burden” placed on hospitality businesses as a contributor to problems affecting the high street.
“[B]usiness rates have failed to reflect the realities of business in the 21st century and high streets have been hit hard. It has become clear that business rates are a major contributor to the distress being felt on Britain’s high streets and action is needed to ensure these can return to being thriving community hubs,” UKHospitality CEO Kate Nicholls said in a statement.
UKHospitality also lauded the report for suggesting solutions to make the system “fairer” for businesses, which include the setup of a Royal Commission to identify systemic reforms to the current system and a review of business rates.
“The hospitality sector is incredibly important to the UK’s economy; it accounts for £39 billion each year in total tax receipts and is the third largest employer, providing jobs for over 3.2 million people across every region of the country. Given this, it’s vital that the needs of the sector are properly addressed,” Steve Double MP, Chair, All Party Parliamentary Group for Hospitality, said.
