Closed petition Extend business rates holiday for retail & hospitality businesses
There is an urgent need to reform the current business rates, however rate reform being postponed. The business rate holiday certainly helped to keep the doors open for longer in the the high street shops, especially Non- essential and hospitality sectors.
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The UK high street were struggling prior to the pandemic and recovery will be very slow. Not extending the rate holiday could lead not only to many businesses closing but also to increased unemployment.
This petition is closed All petitions run for 6 months
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Budget 2021 - support for hospitality industry
On Wednesday 3 March, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP presented the 2021 Budget, setting out the Government's plans for tax and spending over the next year.
The Budget included new support for the hospitality industry. The Chancellor announced hospitality, accommodation and leisure businesses in England will be eligible for a one-off cash grant of up to £18,000 per premises.
The Government will also extend the reduction in VAT (to 5%) for the hospitality and tourism sectors until the end of September, followed by a rate of 12.5% for the six months until 31 March 2022.
Eligible businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors in England will also continue to receive business rates relief until the end of March 2022.
You can read a summary of the key measures announced in the Budget here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/budget-2021-what-you-need-to-know
You can read the Chancellor's full Budget Speech to the House of Commons here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/budget-speech-2021
Who is the Chancellor?
The Chancellor of the Exchequer is the Government Minister in charge of the Government's tax and spending decisions. They are appointed by the Prime Minister and are one of the most senior Government Ministers.
Find out more about the role and the current Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP:
https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers/chancellor-of-the-exchequer
What is the Budget?
The Budget is a statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, updating MPs on how much the Government is spending, borrowing, and receiving from taxation. The Budget usually happens once per year.
The Budget is also when the Chancellor announces changes to tax and Government spending. This means the Budget is often used to announce new Government policies or changes to existing policies.
Find out more about Parliament's role in scrutinising the Budget:
https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/role/check-and-approve-government-spending-and-taxation/the-budget-and-parliament/
Share your ideas for supporting UK high streets
On 19 October, Janet Daby MP will lead a Westminster Hall debate on support for UK high streets.
To inform the debate, she wants to hear about your experiences and ideas. She may quote your contribution directly during her debate.
Find out more and share your ideas with her here:
https://houseofcommons.shorthandstories.com/support-for-uk-high-streets/index.html
Videos of the debate, the transcript and other relevant material will be accessible shortly after the debate on this webpage.
The deadline for contributions is: midday, 13 October
What are Westminster Hall debates?
Westminster Hall is the second Chamber of the House of Commons.
Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister. Any MP can take part in a Westminster Hall debate.
Debates in Westminster Hall take place on ‘general debate' motions expressed in neutral terms. These motions are worded ‘That this House has considered [a specific matter]'.