More than 800 UK hospitality businesses have written an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to publish concrete plans to reduce value-added tax for the sector.
The letter, organised under the #VATsTheProblem campaign, is supported by high-profile chefs including Angela Hartnett and Heston Blumenthal. Signatories say the industry needs a "fairer tax burden for hospitality" and want the prime minister to make good on a prior pledge to address VAT levels.
Calls for action
Campaigners warned that without a change to the tax regime the sector faces more closures and job losses, and that reduced prospects for employment and training will limit opportunities for young people. The open letter frames a VAT cut as necessary to protect businesses and sustain employment across the industry.
The group has asked Burnham to set out how and when he would implement any reduction, and to provide detail on the measures he would take to shield hospitality firms and staff. The letter forms part of a wider industry push to secure targeted fiscal support amid continuing pressures on restaurants, pubs and other hospitality outlets.
The prime minister’s office had not published a response in the material provided with the campaign's announcement. The petition and public backing from well-known chefs are intended to increase political pressure ahead of any forthcoming fiscal decisions affecting the sector.