Yesterday, I spoke at a Westminster Hall debate, where I urged the Government to extend business rates relief for the hospitality sector in the upcoming Budget and explore new bolder reforms to give pubs and other venues the ability to invest in their people, properties, and future.
As I’m sure none of you need telling, the hospitality industry is the lifeline of our communities in South Devon – with over 700 pubs and restaurants in the area, employing more than 12,000 people.
But we know that many of these venues are at breaking point.
We’ve all had a favourite pub, a favourite restaurant, a favourite café that has been forced to close in recent years.
And this is not a situation unique to South Devon. In fact, more than 500 pubs closed in 2023 alone in the UK.
That’s why I not only spoke at a Westminster Hall debate today, but also wrote to the Chancellor this week calling for the Government to extend business rates relief and give our hospitality industry the support it needs to thrive once more.
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