UKHospitality Chief Executive, Kate Nicholls, has expressed a warm welcome to the review of the business rates system in the UK.
The UK Government have confirmed their intention to review the business rates system and have announced further support for pubs.
Kate Nicholls, said: “Improving the business rates system is paramount and the Government commitment to a review is very welcome. Rates have arguably been the single biggest barrier to growth for hospitality and a shake-up of the whole business tax system is overdue. UKHospitality has been pushing for a review vocally and persistently for years so it is great to see the Government listening to our message.
“Additional support for pubs, which have been hit so hard by rates in recent years is a great first step. This support does need to apply to the whole of hospitality, though, and we will continue to push the Government to ensure that the business tax system is fit for purpose in the 21st Century.
“The Government’s agenda is clearly built around supporting businesses. This is very welcome, not least because we know that hospitality is a vehicle by which regeneration and economic prosperity can be delivered to the UK’s high streets, seaside towns and cities across the UK.”
“We are also pleased to see the Government move towards an immigration policy which supports the economy and businesses. A fair and managed, three-tier system at all salary and skilled levels, hand-in-hand with investment in skills and training, is a must. This will avoid exacerbating labour shortages, keep the economy at full strength and allow hospitality to continue its work boosting the domestic workforce. An immigration system which is evidence-led and values skills at all levels is essential for hospitality and the wider economy.”
