Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to support night time industries.

The Government continues to support night time industries and the wider hospitality sector.

The Autumn Statement 2022 announced a package of changes to business rates worth £13.6bn over the next 5 years in lower bills. This includes a freeze to the multiplier, scrapping the downward revaluation cap and extending and increasing the generosity of the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) Relief from 50% to 75% in 2023-24, up to £110,000 per business.

This is in addition to the Energy Bills Relief Scheme (EBRS), which discounts businesses’ energy bills until 31 March 2023; the increased Employment Allowance of £5,000, which takes the smallest 40% of businesses out of paying any National Insurance at all; and setting the Annual Investment Allowance at £1 million permanently.

This is a comprehensive package of support which will help protect businesses such as pubs, cafes, and nightclubs.