I’m leading a Parliament debate on what VAT policy on hospitality means for places like Blackpool
"For so many of us, myself included, a hospitality job gave us our first pay packet.”
Blackpool South MP Chris Webb is to lead a debate in Parliament on the impact of VAT policy on the hospitality industry and what it means for tourism-dependent towns such as Blackpool.
Webb said he would use the debate to question the Government on the impact of rising costs on hospitality businesses and the potential benefits of reducing VAT for the sector. Hospitality employs around 3.5 million people nationally, while Blackpool's visitor economy supports approximately 10,000 jobs.
Highlighting the importance of the industry to the town, Webb said: "For so many of us, myself included, a hospitality job gave us our first pay packet, our first reference and our first step into work. For many, it turns into a career."
"In Blackpool South, our visitor economy supports around 10,000 jobs, from the 16-year-old serving ice cream in their summer holidays to the engineers and animators who produce our world-famous Illuminations,” he said.
The MP explained the cost of visiting Blackpool was felt by both residents and tourists, adding: "Blackpool was built for the working classes and our visitors and residents feel the small increases to the cost of a stay, a meal or a day out.
“I’ll be asking the Minister what assessment has been made of the impact of rising costs on hospitality, and what a reduction in hospitality VAT could mean for growth, jobs, young people and regeneration in tourism-dependent areas.
"The feedback I get from businesses in Blackpool has informed much of this debate so please keep sharing your views with me."