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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of how the hospitality sector supports local economies and tourism in North Yorkshire, and what support is available to help the sector remain resilient in the long term.

The Government has not made a specific assessment of how the hospitality sector supports local economies and tourism in North Yorkshire.

The Government recognises the hospitality sector’s vital role in supporting local economies, tourism, and high streets, including in North Yorkshire, by creating jobs and attracting visitors. We are committed to its growth through industry engagement, targeted support, and a forthcoming High Streets Strategy to boost footfall.

We are also reforming business rates to better support the high street, with over 750,000 properties benefiting from permanently lower rates worth nearly £1 billion annually. From April, pubs have benefitted from an additional 15% cut followed by a two-year freeze worth around £1,650. Additionally, the Hospitality Support Fund has been increased to £10 million over three years to drive productivity, diversification, and jobs.