The Chancellor has announced a much-needed boost for tourism and hospitality businesses as part of his Summer Economic Update to kickstart the economy post-coronavirus.
The measures will see VAT for hospitality, accommodation and attraction businesses cut from 20% to 5% for six months. The move is designed to support the sectors that have been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus crisis, helping businesses to recover and boosting the number of jobs across the country. Up to 720 businesses could stand to benefit from the measures in Truro and Falmouth.
MPs across the South West have also urged local people to eat out to help out, following the announcement that the government will pay for up to 50% of people’s meals out at restaurants, pubs and cafes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August.
The Eat Out to Help Out scheme will entitle everyone to a discount of up to 50% on their meal, up to a maximum of £10 per person. Businesses can claim the money back from the government, which will be paid in five working days. Up to 430 businesses in Truro and Falmouth could benefit from the move.
Taken together, these measures will provide a timely and much-needed boost to the tourism and hospitality industries in the South West, forming a key part of the government’s plan for jobs – supporting people to find jobs, creating new jobs and protecting jobs in hard-hit sectors.
Welcoming the announcement, Truro and Falmouth Member of Parliament Cherilyn Mackrory said:
“Today’s announcement by our Chancellor is absolutely fantastic and again shows this Government going above and beyond to support businesses, employees and the economy during this difficult time.”
“I particularly welcome the VAT cuts and eat out incentives, which will be well received for so many local businesses in Truro and Falmouth.”
“I will continue working with the Government to ensure sensible measures such as these are rolled out as we move on with recovering from the COVID-19 crisis.”