Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps he is taking to support independent hospitality businesses.

Hospitality businesses are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in supporting economic growth and social cohension across the UK.

We recently launched a licensing taskforce to reduce red tape and barriers that too often hold businesses back. In addition, the Government intends to introduce permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a rateable value less than £500,000

We have also recently announced a £1.5 million Hospitality Support Scheme to co-fund projects that align with Department of Business & Trade and Hospitality Sector Council Priorities. I am working with Council Members to maximise the benefits of this funding.