Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent steps the Government has taken to support the night-time economy.

In the past, the Government has taken unprecedented action to support the hospitality industry. Autumn Statement delivers further on our support for the sector.

The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) Relief has been extended and increased from 50% to 75% in 2023-24 – a relief of up to £110k per business. This means around 230,000 properties in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will receive a tax cut worth almost £2.1 billion in 2023-24.

We are freezing the business rates multiplier in 2023-24 instead of increasing in line with inflation. Businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors will also benefit from the Energy Price Guarantee until April 2023. In addition, the April increase to the Employment Allowance from £4,000 to £5,000, means that any businesses with employer NICs bills of £100,000 or less in the previous tax year can claim up to £5,000 off their NICs bill.

All of which means that the Government is exceeding stakeholder expectations for further support for retail and hospitality and to protect businesses such as pubs, cafes, and nightclubs.