Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what recent support his Department has provided to hospitality businesses in Royal Sutton Coldfield.

The Government recognises the vital contribution hospitality businesses make to jobs and local economies, including in Royal Sutton Coldfield.

At Budget 2026, the Chancellor announced that, from April 2027, Small Business Rates Relief thresholds for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties will rise to £18,000 for full relief and £21,000 for tapered relief. Bills for qualifying properties will also be frozen in real terms for two years, while pubs will receive an additional 20% relief, bringing their total relief to 35%. Together, these measures will see half of all such properties in England pay no business rates.

The Government continues to engage closely with the sector, including through the Hospitality Sector Council, to understand the challenges businesses face and support long-term growth. The Government’s recently announced High Streets Strategy also recognises the important role businesses such as pubs, restaurants and cafés play in creating vibrant high streets and thriving local economies.