We’re waiting for a new Petitions Committee

Petitions had to stop because of the recent general election. Once a new Petitions Committee is set up by the House of Commons, petitions will start again.

Find out more on the Petitions Committee website

Closed petition Enhance support for the hospitality, events, leisure and entertainment sectors

For businesses in hospitality, events, leisure and entertainment:

- Extend the repayment term of the CBILS loans from 6 to 10 years
- Allow deferred VAT repayments to be spread over 24 months instead of 11
- Continue to suspend business rates for those hardest-hit
- Extend the 5% VAT rate

More details

The hospitality, events, leisure and entertainment sector has still not been allowed to trade due to Covid restrictions. It is deeply unfair that these businesses will have to start repaying loans and tax deferrals within a matter of months. This will kill many businesses who are hanging on by a thread.

Businesses in this sector employ a vast workforce many of whom are young people. They are an important part in creating employment opportunities and a vibrant high street.

This petition is closed All petitions run for 6 months

559 signatures

Show on a map

10,000

MPs to debate Covid-19 and the cultural and entertainment sectors

MPs will debate Covid-19 and the cultural and entertainment sectors on Tuesday 2 March. This will be a general debate. General debates allow MPs to debate important issues, however they do not end in a vote nor can they change the law.

The debate will start after consideration of a number of statutory instruments relating to social security.

Watch the debate: https://www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/de1825d5-8dbb-49b1-bdca-25a2256ca2ad

Find out more about how Parliamentary debates work: https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/business/debates/

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]'.