Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what research his Department has commissioned on the impact a lower rate of VAT for hospitality would have on (a) visitor numbers, (b) visitor spend and (c) length of stay of visitors.

The Government recognises the significant contribution made by hospitality businesses to economic growth and social life in the UK. 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.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s third largest tax, forecast to raise £180 billion in 2025/26.   Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations.  

HMRC estimates that the cost of changing the 20 per cent Standard Rate of VAT on all accommodation and food and beverage services to the Reduced Rate of 5 per cent would be around £17 billion in 2026-27, rising to £19.5 billion in 2030-31.