Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what estimate she has made of the change in the level of financial viability of hospitability businesses in Epping Forest since July 5th 2024.

The Government recognises the vital contribution hospitality businesses in Epping Forest make to jobs and the local economy. At Budget, the Chancellor announced the government is introducing a two-year real-terms freeze for all retail, hospitality and leisure properties to cap bill increases at inflation. The Government is also increasing the Small Business Rates Relief thresholds for retail, hospitality and leisure properties, taking a further 70,000 properties out of business rates altogether and meaning half of all RHL properties will pay no business rates.

On 28 October, Government published 'Hope on the High Street' - a new cross-government high streets strategy. The strategy sets out Government’s plan to revive our high streets, giving local leaders and communities greater power to shape their future, helping businesses thrive, tackling crime and bringing essential services closer to the people who need them.

We are also supporting the sector through a £10 million Hospitality Grant Scheme to boost growth, resilience and innovation, and are backing pubs, clubs and live music venues through additional business rates support. We also engage closely with businesses and trade associations through the Hospitality Sector Council to address challenges and support productivity and resilience across the sector.