Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Vikki Slade and Rachel Reeves

Tuesday 8th April 2025 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Reeves]

My hon. Friend is doing great work supporting local businesses in Burnley, including the digital marketing start-up Door4, which I know he has been championing.

[Vikki Slade (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD)]

T2. I have been contacted by many local businesses, including the Cross Keys pub in the Holt Heath nature reserve and the BEAR café in Wimborne. They are two different venues in two different locations, but both tell me that these are the most extreme trading conditions ever seen in hospitality. With national insurance, minimum wage and energy and food costs, will the Chancellor consider a reduction in VAT on hospitality sales to protect high streets and local producers and to save our communities?