Oral Answers to Questions

Damian Collins Excerpts

Tuesday 7th July 2020 Commons Chamber

[Damian Collins (Folkestone and Hythe) (Con)]

What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on ensuring that businesses in the (a) hospitality and (b) tourism sector receive adequate support during the covid-19 outbreak.

[Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op)]

What fiscal support he is providing to the (a) theatre and (b) entertainment sector during the covid-19 outbreak.

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Kemi Badenoch)]

The Treasury is working extensively with employers, taskforces and industry groups to understand the long-term effects of covid-19 across all key areas of the economy, including the artistic, creative, tourism and hospitality sectors. We will continue to monitor the impact of Government support on the economy.

[Damian Collins [V]]

While hotels, hospitality businesses and holiday parks are reopening in my constituency, many businesses fear that this will be a year of three winters. What support are the Government considering beyond what has been delivered so far? In particular, would the Treasury consider the tourism and hospitality sector’s request to cut VAT to 5% for those businesses?

[Kemi Badenoch]

As ever, all taxes are kept under review, and changes are announced at fiscal events. My hon. Friend will be pleased to know that admissions to cultural venues, for example, are already exempt from VAT if they are provided by a local authority or an eligible body, such as a charity. We will continue to review the situation.