East of England LD MPs supporting LD calls for 5% cut to VAT on hospitality

As going out increasingly becomes an “unaffordable luxury”, Charlotte Cane MP  has joined Liberal Democrat colleagues to call for an emergency 5% VAT cut for  pubs, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses at the Budget later this month.  

In a speech on Wednesday 12th November, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader and Treasury  Spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP set out the party’s bold £12bn plan to tackle the cost of living  and support Britain’s high streets, putting £270 back in people's pockets. 

The plan would see VAT cut from 20% to 15% for hospitality and accommodation, boosting our  high streets and vital local pubs. Charlotte and local Liberal Democrats are optimistic that the  plan would boost footfall into pubs and hospitality venues across Ely and East Cambridgeshire,  tackling the double crisis of lower spending and higher taxes currently hammering food and  drink venues.  

The Liberal Democrats’ plan also includes proposals to bring down energy costs by removing  the Renewables Obligation levy, reducing the typical energy bill by £90 a year. 

Charlotte has been in close communication with pubs across her constituency through her  ‘publicans’ network’, through which she has heard first-hand the worrying consequences of  rising costs for pubs, leaving them with increasingly uncertain futures.  

On the Liberal Democrats’ new proposals, Charlotte said: 

“For far too long, the spiralling cost of living crisis has put both families and small businesses on  the back foot, with each paycheque forced to be spread thinner than the last. 

As more and more families are forced into difficult decisions between food and fuel, the small  joys of going to the pub or going out for a meal are now an unaffordable luxury for many. The  consequences of this are far reaching and particularly devastating for our local pubs and  restaurants, vital local hubs for every town and village in my constituency.  

I am proud that the Liberal Democrats are standing up for these businesses, our communities,  and our families with concrete proposals to cut VAT for hospitality and slash energy bills. This  will put money back into people’s pockets and ensure the continued support of our local pubs  and restaurants.”