Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the cumulative implications for the hotel sector of (a) the recent changes to business rates, (b) the rise in employers’ National Insurance Contributions and (c) the rises in the rates for the National Minimum and Living Wages.

The Government recognises the important contribution that the hotel and wider hospitality sectors make to the economy, to local communities and to the UK’s appeal as a destination for domestic and international tourists. The potential impacts of changes on this sector are carefully considered as part of policy development.

Where changes are made, relevant impact notes and assessments are published at fiscal events and otherwise as necessary, in line with the Government’s usual practice. The Treasury also engages regularly with the hospitality sector to understand the challenges they face.

The Government continues to provide targeted support to the hospitality sector through the tax system and other policies and keeps all areas of the tax system under review, with future decisions taken at fiscal events under the normal process.