The MP for Taunton and Wellington, Gideon Amos, is calling on the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to slash VAT on the hospitality sector in next week’s Budget.
Mr Amos is backing a Liberal Democrat campaign to get the tax on pubs, restaurants, hotels and entertainment outlets reduced from 20% to 15%.
He says the plan would boost footfall and tackle the double whammy of higher taxes and lower spending, currently hammering food and drink venues.
“Just because the Chancellor needed cash, that should never have been a reason to load higher business rates and a jobs tax on to small businesses like pubs and restaurants.
“The result has been jobs lost, staff laid off and iconic local venues like the Obridge Inn and Mackenzies on Castle Green closing their doors.
"We need a government that, instead, understands and backs small businesses, because they are the backbone of the British economy, its single biggest sector.
“The big banks and energy companies have far broader shoulders – that's why I'm backing our emergency VAT cut, using a tax on banks to help small business, boost hospitality and make that occasional takeaway, night at the pub or family meal out something we can all afford more easily once again.
“Like Daisy Cooper MP said at the launch of our Lib Dem call for a cut to VAT, it's time for a 'much needed morale boost'.
"Let's give everybody, including our pubs and restaurants, the support they need this Christmas".
Mr Amos recently visited the Ale House on Taunton’s Station Road which is run by Fiona Johnson.
She said: “I would welcome a reduction in VAT for pubs after being hit with tax increases last year.
“But I am not optimistic about what she (Rachel Reeves) will do at the end of the month.”
Mr Amos spoke out on behalf of the hospitality sector during a recent debate in Parliament.
“They provide jobs, keep our high streets alive and make our communities better and stronger, but many of them tell me that they feel abandoned as a result of the government’s policies,” he said.
“Across the country, an average of 30 pubs close their doors every week.”
“The Government need to listen to hoteliers, publicans and restaurateurs in towns such as Taunton and Wellington because, unless things change, more doors will close, more jobs will go, and communities across the country will be poorer for it.”
