Hospitality Businesses

Lord Brennan of Canton Excerpts

Tuesday 27th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Stockwood (Lab)]

The department is in constant dialogue with all industry sectors, including the hotel sector. We are trying to balance support for the overall economy with the need to be fiscally responsible in this Parliament as well. We continue to take feedback and will respond to that, but today we are focused on cutting rates overall, which, as I have said, has been on the agenda within the last couple of Parliaments, but we have taken it head on.

[Lord Brennan of Canton (Lab)]

My Lords, I note the rather grumpy welcome from the Opposition for the measures that the Government have taken. I say, let the good times roll. This is a tremendous announcement, particularly for pub-goers and for gig-goers. However, is any consideration being given to add to these measures with some relief for recording studios, which are very much part of the R&D of the music industry and are generally accessible to the public as places that they can book for their private use?

[Lord Stockwood (Lab)]

I share the noble Lord’s optimism for the positive steps taken today and generally, in the last five months of being in government, for the way that the economy is shaping up after the last couple of decades. The announcements made today were on the back of the £4.3 billion for rate revaluation and really focused on live music venues and pubs as well. Perhaps I could refer everyone to the Statement made an hour ago. If there are specific follow-ups, I can come back to that, but I do not have any further detail on those venues at the moment.